Myofascial strap

ABSTRACT

An improved strap has a base end portion, a second end portion and a main portion which is disposed between the base and the second end portions of the strap. A first side of the strap has a layer formed of foam. A second side of the strap has a layer formed of fabric. The second side of a base end portion of the strap has a layer formed of foam. The layer formed of foam on the first side of the strap is placed in engagement with skin on a body of a patient. The base end portion of the strap is retained against movement relative to the body of the patient by wrapping the strap around a portion of the body of the patient and positioning a portion of the layer formed of foam and disposed on the first side of the strap in engagement with foam disposed on the second side of the base end portion of the strap. A second end portion of the strap is connected with the fabric layer on the second side of the strap at a location between the end portions of the strap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a new and improved strap and amethod of using the strap to treat a patient.

[0002] A known strap for use in treating a patient includes a layer offoam which is connected with a layer of fabric. When the strap is to beutilized to treat a patient, the layer of foam is placed in engagementwith the skin of the patient and the strap is wrapped around a portionof the patient. Known straps which may be utilized for treating apatient are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,811,154 and 5,036,838.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a new and improved strap andmethod of using the strap for treatment of a patient. Base and secondend portions of the strap may be interconnected by a main portion of thestrap. The base end portion of the strap may have opposite sides withsurfaces which are formed of foam. The main portion of the strap mayhave a first side with a surface which is formed of foam and a secondside with a surface which is formed of fabric. If desired, the surfacesformed of foam could be formed of a different material. A retainer maybe connected with the second end portion of the strap to connect thesecond end portion of the strap with the main portion of the strap.

[0004] When the strap is to be utilized to treat a patient, a layerformed of foam disposed on the first side of the strap may be placed inengagement with skin on the body of the patient. The base end portion ofthe strap is retained against movement relative to the body of thepatient by wrapping the strap around a portion of the body of thepatient and positioning a portion of the layer formed of foam on thefirst side of the strap in engagement with foam disposed on the secondside of the base end portion of the strap. The second end portion of thestrap may be connected with a fabric layer which forms the second sideof the strap.

[0005] If desired, a plurality of straps may be utilized in thetreatment of the patient. At least some of these straps may have a layerof foam disposed on a first side of the strap and a layer of fabricdisposed on a second side of the strap. The layers of foam on the firstsides of the straps may be positioned in engagement with the skin of thepatient and the straps may be interconnected. Interconnecting of thestraps may be performed by engaging foam on the second side, that is thefabric side, of a strap with the layer of foam on the first side of astrap. A retainer which, for example, may be a hook and loop typefastener, may be provided to connect an end portion of one strap with alayer of fabric on another strap or with a layer of fabric on the onestrap.

[0006] It is contemplated that a strap constructed in accordance withthe present invention may be utilized during the treatment of manydifferent portions of a patient's body. For example, the strap may beutilized in conjunction with treatment of an arm, hand, leg, foot,shoulder, or other portion of a patient's body. A single strap may bewrapped around one or more portions of a patient's body. Alternatively,a first strap may be wrapped around one portion of a patient's body anda second strap may be connected with the first strap and wrapped aroundanother portion of a patient's body.

[0007] The strap may be utilized to apply force to deep fascia, such asmyofascial tissue. Of course, the strap may also be used to apply forceto superficial fascia. It is contemplated that one or more of the strapsmay be used to increase a patient's proprioception. The straps may alsobe utilized to effect shifting of a bone, such as a patella, in the bodyof a patient. The straps may be used to connect one or more treatmentdevices with a patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing and other features of the invention will becomemore apparent upon a consideration of the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view of a strap constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is fragmentary bottom plan view of the strap of FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view, taken generally along theline 3-3 of FIG. 1, illustrating the manner in which a layer of foam onone side of the strap and a layer of fabric on the opposite side of thestrap are interconnected;

[0012]FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken generallyalong the line 4-4 of FIG. 1, and illustrating a retainer which isconnected with one end portion of the strap;

[0013]FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken generallyalong the line 5-5 of FIG. 1, illustrating the manner in which foam isprovided on opposite sides of a base end portion of the strap;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic illustration depicting themanner in which the strap of FIG. 1 is positioned relative to a portionof a patient's body with the base end portion of the strap in engagementwith skin on the patient's body;

[0015]FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic illustration, generally similarto FIG. 6, illustrating the manner in which a portion of the strap iswrapped in a loop around a portion of the patient's body and engages thebase end portion of the strap;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary schematic illustration depicting themanner in which an end portion of the strap of FIGS. 6 and 7 isconnected with fabric on one side of the strap;

[0017]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary schematic pictorial illustration depictingthe manner in which the base end portion of the strap of FIG. 1 ispositioned relative to a hand of a patient;

[0018]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary pictorial illustration depicting how afoam layer on one side of the strap of FIG. 9 is positioned inengagement with foam disposed on the base end portion of the strap toform a loop and to hold the base end portion of the strap againstmovement relative to the hand of the patient;

[0019]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary schematic pictorial illustrationdepicting the manner in which the strap is wrapped in a plurality ofloops around a region where the hand and wrist of the patient areinterconnected;

[0020]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary schematic pictorial illustrationdepicting the manner in which the base end portion of the strap of FIG.1 is positioned relative to the hand and first finger (thumb) of apatient;

[0021]FIG. 13 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the mannerin which the strap of FIG. 12 is wrapped in a plurality of loops aroundthe first finger of the patient;

[0022]FIG. 14 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the mannerin which the strap is wrapped in a plurality of loops around a region ofthe patient where a hand and wrist of the patient are interconnected;

[0023]FIG. 15 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the mannerin which the base end portion of the strap of FIG. 1 is positionedrelative to a knee of a patient;

[0024]FIG. 16 is a fragmentary schematic pictorial illustrationdepicting the manner in which the strap is wrapped in a loop around theleg of the patient adjacent to the knee and engages the base end portionof the strap;

[0025]FIG. 17 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the mannerin which loops of the strap of FIGS. 15 and 16 apply force to a patellain a knee of the patient;

[0026]FIG. 18 is a schematic pictorial illustration, generally similarto FIGS. 15 and 16, illustrating the manner in which the strap isfurther wrapped around the leg of the patient and in which an endportion of the strap is connected with fabric on one side of the strap;

[0027]FIG. 19 is a superior view of a patient illustrating the manner inwhich the strap of FIG. 1 is wrapped in a loop around the upper arms andtrunk of the patient;

[0028]FIG. 20 is a fragmentary pictorial illustration depicting themanner in which a second embodiment of the strap of FIG. 1 is loopedaround the first finger (thumb) of a patient prior to wrapping of thestrap in a plurality of loops around the hand and region where the handand wrist of the patient are interconnected;

[0029]FIG. 21 is a fragmentary schematic pictorial illustrationdepicting the manner in which a pair of straps utilized in the treatmentof scapula muscles and associated tissue in the body of a patient;

[0030]FIG. 22 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the mannerin which a strap may be positioned around a trunk of the patient toretain straps for treatment of scapula muscles and associated tissue;

[0031]FIG. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic illustration, takengenerally along the line 23-23 of FIG. 22, illustrating one manner inwhich a plurality of straps may be interconnected;

[0032]FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of an orthosis which may beconnected with portions of a patient's body;

[0033]FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional view, taken generally along theline 25-25 of FIG. 24, illustrating the manner in which a cuff of theorthosis of FIG. 24 is lined;

[0034]FIG. 26 is a fragmentary schematic illustration depicting anopening formed at a wound or incision in a patient's body;

[0035]FIG. 27 is a schematic fragmentary illustration depicting themanner in which the opening of FIG. 26 is closed by the use of aplurality of straps having the same construction as the strap of FIG. 1;

[0036]FIG. 28 (on sheet 2 of the drawings) is a schematic anterior viewillustrating the manner in which the strap of FIG. 1 is connected withan upper portion of one arm and a shoulder of a patient;

[0037]FIG. 29 (on sheet 2 of the drawings) is a posterior view of thepatient of FIG. 28 and illustrating the manner in which the strapextends between the arm and shoulder of the patient;

[0038]FIG. 30 (on sheet 9 of the drawings) is a schematic plan viewillustrating the relationship of a plurality of straps to each other andskin on a portion of a patient's body; and

[0039]FIG. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken generally along theline 31-31 of FIG. 30, illustrating the manner in which the straps areinterconnected.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Strap Construction

[0041] A strap 10 for use in treating a patient is illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2. The strap 10 includes a base end portion 12, a second orretainer end portion 14, and a main portion 16. The main portion 16extends between the base end portion 12 and retainer end portion 14. Thestrap 10 has an outer side 20 (FIG. 1) and an inner side 22 (FIG. 2).The inner and outer sides 20 and 22 extend between opposite ends of thestrap 10.

[0042] The main portion 16 of the strap 10 has an outer side surface 26(FIG. 1) formed by a layer 28 of fabric (FIG. 3). An opposite or innerside surface 32 (FIG. 2) of the strap 10 is formed by a layer 34 offoam. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, thelayer 34 of foam is bonded directly to the layer 28 of fabric. It iscontemplated that the layer 28 of fabric and layer 34 of foam may beinterconnected in a manner similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,036,838. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the layer 28of fabric and the layer 34 of foam are coextensive with each other.Thus, the layer of fabric and the layer of foam both extend through thebase end portion 12, main portion 16, and retainer end portion 14 of thestrap 10.

[0043] The layer 28 of fabric (FIG. 3) is an elasticized polymericmaterial. The layer 28 of fabric has a loop-type weave similar to thematerial which forms the loop portion of a hook and loop fastener and iscommercially available under the trademark “Velcro”. The layer 28 offabric has an outer side surface 26 which is relatively slippery. Thesurface 26 of the fabric layer 34 and the skin of a patient have arelatively low coefficient of static friction.

[0044] The loop weave of the elasticized fabric layer 28 enables it tobe engaged by hook-type fasteners of the “Velcro” (trademark) type.Thus, the layer 28 of fabric has a loop pile which forms the outer side20 of the strap 10. It is preferred to form the layer 28 of fabric withan elasticized construction so that the fabric can be stretched bypulling on the strap 10. However, if desired, the layer 28 of fabriccould have a nonelasticized construction and could have a weave otherthan a loop weave.

[0045] The layer 34 (FIG. 3) of foam is connected directly to the layer28 of fabric. The layer 34 of foam is formed with an open celled,elastomeric construction. The open celled elastomeric construction ofthe layer 34 of foam enables the layer to breath so that fluid can passthrough the layer. The open celled construction of the layer of foampromotes patient comfort when the strap 10 is worn for a relatively longperiod of time.

[0046] The layer 34 of foam has a side surface 32 which has a relativelyhigh adherence or grippiness compared to the surface 26 on the layer 28of fabric. The surface 32 of the layer 34 of foam and the skin of apatient have a relatively large coefficient of static friction. Thecoefficient of static friction between the surface 32 and the layer 34of foam and the skin of a patient is greater than the coefficient ofstatic friction between the surface 26 of the layer of fabric 28 and theskin of a patient.

[0047] The layer 34 of foam is stretchable so that it can be stretchedwith the layer 28 of fabric. The elasticity of the layer 34 of foam isgreater than the elasticity of the layer 28 of fabric. Thus, the modulusof elasticity of the layer 34 of foam is greater than the modulus ofelasticity of the layer 28 of fabric.

[0048] The layer 34 of foam is an open celled foam of the urethanefamily and is stretchable in both the longitudinal and transversedirections to a greater extent than the layer 28 of fabric. This resultsin the layer 34 of open celled foam being supported by the layer 28 offabric when the layer of fabric is in a stretched or non-stretchedcondition. It should be understood that the layer 34 of foam could beformed of any desired open celled or closed cell polymeric foammaterial. It is contemplated that the layer 34 could be formed of apolymeric material which is not a foam. The layer 34 could be formed ofany material having a high coefficient of friction with skin.

[0049] One commercial source of material to form the strap 10 isFabrifoam Products of Exton, Pa. Of course, other commercial sources ofmaterial for forming the strap 10 could be utilized if desired.

[0050] The layer 28 of fabric and the layer 34 of foam extend throughthe retainer end portion 14 of the strap 10 (FIGS. 2 and 4). A retainer38 is provided at the retainer end portion 14 of the strap 10. Theretainer 38 has a rectangular configuration (FIG. 2) and is fixedlyconnected with the layer 34 of foam and layer 28 of fabric by heatstaking. Of course, the retainer 38 could be connected with the layer 34of foam and the layer 28 of fabric by other methods if desired. Forexample, the retainer 38 could be bonded to the layer 34 of foam.

[0051] The retainer 38 has the same construction as the hook portion ofa hook and loop fastener of the “Velcro” (trademark) type. Thus, theretainer 38 has an array of hooks 42 which are engagable with theloop-type fabric which forms the layer 28 of fabric. Although it ispreferred to utilize a retainer 38 which is engagable with a layer 28 offabric with a “Velcro” (trademark) hook and loop type fastening action,a different type of retainer could be utilized if desired. By formingthe retainer 38 with the “Velcro” (trademark) hook type construction,the retainer 38 can be connected with the layer 28 of fabric at anylocation along the length of the layer of fabric. However, other typesof retainers could be utilized if desired.

[0052] The base end portion 12 (FIG. 1) of the strap 10 is formed bydoubling the layer 28 of fabric and the layer 34 of foam back on itself.This results in the base end portion 12 of the strap 10 having adouble-layered construction illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, the base endportion 12 has an upper (as viewed in FIG. 5) layer 48 and a lower layer50 which are interconnected by a bend 52. The upper layer 48 is heatstaked to the lower layer 50 to interconnect the upper and lower layers48 and 50.

[0053] The overlapped construction of the base end portion 12 results inthe layer 28 of fabric and the layer 34 of foam extending in acontinuous manner from the main portion 16 of the strap 10 through thelower layer 50 of the base end portion 12, around the bend 52, andthrough the upper layer 48 of the base end portion 12. The layer 28 offabric is integrally formed as one piece and extends throughout theentire extent of the strap 10. Similarly, the layer 34 of foam isintegrally formed as one piece and extends throughout the entire extentof the strap 10.

[0054] It should be understood that the base end portion 12 could have adifferent construction. For example, the upper layer 48 could be formedby a separate rectangular segment formed of the same material of themain portion 16 of the strap 12. This separate rectangular segment ofmaterial may be heat staked to the lower layer 50 of the base endportion 12. Alternatively, the base end portion 12 could be formed witha single layer 28 of fabric with two separate layers of foam adhered toopposite sides of the single layer of fabric. Thus, a layer of foamcould be adhered to the outer side surface 26 of the layer 28 of fabricthroughout the extent of the base end portion 12 to provide a layer offoam which is separate from and on the opposite side of the strap fromthe layer 34 of foam.

[0055] Although a preferred construction for the strap 10 has beenillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5, it is contemplated that the strap 10may have a different construction if desired. For example, rather thanbeing formed by separate layers of foam and fabric, the strap 10 may beformed from a single layer of material. If desired, with such aconstruction, a separate base end portion 12 and retainer end portion 14may be connected to the single layer of material. Alternatively, thestrap 10 could be formed of multiple layers of fabric and/or multiplelayers of foam. Although it is preferred to form the strap 10 with thelayer 34 being an open celled urethane foam, the layer 34 could beformed of a substantially different material if desired.

[0056] The illustrated strap 10 has an outer side surface 26 which isslippier than the inner side surface 32. This is because the outer sidesurface 26 is formed of a woven polymeric material while the inner sidesurface 32 is formed of a polymeric foam. It is contemplated that boththe outer side surface 26 and the inner side surface 32 could be formedof one or more materials having substantially the same degree ofroughness or gripping action.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment of the strap 10, the only foamwhich is exposed on the outer side 20 of the strap 10 is on the base endportion 12 of the strap. It is contemplated that foam could be exposedat other locations on the outer side 20 of the strap 10. For example, arectangular section of foam could be disposed on the outer side 20 ofthe strap 10 at a location midway between the base end portion 12 andthe retainer end portion 14. This additional section of foam could besecured to the outer side 20 of the strap 10 by heat staking or bybonding directly to the outer side surface 26 of the layer 28 of fabric.

[0058] Use of Strap

[0059] The strap 10 of FIGS. 1-5 may be used in many different ways inassociation with many different portions of a patient's body. The strap10 may be utilized to apply only compressive forces to tissue in thepatient's body. Alternatively, the strap 10 may be used to provide acombination of compressive and tension forces in tissue in the patient'sbody. The combination of compressive and tension forces is particularlyadvantageous when it is desired to effect movement of superficial and/ordeep fascia relative to other tissue in a patient's body. Thecombination of compressive and tension forces applied by a strap 10 canbe utilized to effect shifting movement of one bone in a patient's bodyrelative to another bone.

[0060] It is contemplated that the strap 10 may be utilized in manydifferent types of patient treatments. It is believed that the strap 10may be used during active, causal, expectant, palliative, preventive,supportive, and/or symptomatic treatments of a patient. For example, thestrap 10 may be used to apply force to body tissue to alter the actionof muscles and/or to change the relationship between adjacent bodytissues at many different locations in a patient's body.

[0061] When the strap 10 is wound in a circular loop around a portion ofa patient's body, the strap 10 may be utilized to provide a purecompressive force against tissue of the patient's body. However, whenthe strap 10 is wound in a spiral around a portion of the patient'sbody, the strap 10 exerts both compressive and tension forces againsttissue of the patient's body. The magnitude of the compressive andtension forces may be varied by varying the tension in the strap 10.Thus, one turn of a spiral wrapping of the strap 10 around a portion ofa patient's body may be formed with a first tension in the strap and asecond turn of the spiral wrapping may be formed with a tension which isgreater than the first tension to increase shear forces applied to bodytissue.

[0062] When the strap 10 (FIG. 6) is to be wrapped around a patient'sbody in such a manner as to provide both tension and compressive forceson tissue of the patient's body, the strap 10 is oriented with the layer34 of foam facing toward skin 60 on a portion 62 (FIG. 6) of thepatient's body. The layer 28 of fabric faces outward away from the skin60.

[0063] When the strap 10 is to be wrapped around the portion 62 of thepatient's body, the base end portion 12 is positioned in engagement withthe skin 60 of the patient. The upper layer 48 of the base end portion12 faces away from the skin 60 (FIG. 6) on the portion 62 of thepatient's body. Similarly, the lower layer 50 (FIG. 5) of the base endportion 12 is positioned in engagement with the skin 60 (FIG. 6) on theportion 62 of the patient's body. The inner surface 32 on the layer 34of foam grips the skin 60 on the patient's body to retain the base endportion 12 against undesired movement relative to the patient's body.The base end portion 12 may be positioned in engagement with thepatient's body by the patient or by medical personnel.

[0064] Regardless of whether the strap 10 is being positioned by thepatient or another person, the base end portion 12 of the strap ismanually pressed against the skin 60 to position the base end portion 12of the strap relative to the portion 62 of the patient's body. The mainportion 16 of the strap 10 is then wrapped in a loop around thepatient's body, in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 6. Asthe main portion 16 of the strap 10 is wrapped in a loop around thepatient's body, the layer 28 of fabric faces outward while the layer 34of foam faces inward. This results in the layer 34 of foam being movedinto engagement with the foam on the upper layer 48 of the base endsection 12 (FIG. 7).

[0065] As the main portion 16 of the strap 10 moves into engagement withthe base end portion 12 of the strap, the main portion 16 is tensionedand the base end portion 12 is pressed against the skin 60 of thepatient. As the lower layer (FIG. 5) of the base end portion 12 ispressed against the skin 60 of the patient, the layer 34 of foam gripsthe skin 60 of the patient. As the layer 34 of foam on the main portion16 of the strap 10 is pressed against the upper layer 48 of the base endportion, the layer 34 of foam on the main portion 16 of the strap 10engages and firmly grips the layer 34 of foam on the upper layer 48 ofthe base end portion 12.

[0066] There is a relatively large coefficient of static frictionbetween the inner side surface 32 (FIG. 3) of the layer 34 of foam onthe main portion 16 of the strap 10 and the surface of the foam on theupper layer 48 (FIG. 5) of the base end portion 12 of the strap Thisrelatively large coefficient of static friction results in the mainportion 16 of the strap 10 and the base end portion 12 of the strapbeing securely interconnected by a friction connection.

[0067] As the main portion 16 of the strap 10 is wrapped in loops aroundthe portion 62 of the patient's body, the base end portion 12 of thestrap 10 is pressed firmly against the skin of the patient. There is arelatively large coefficient of static friction between the inner sidesurface 32 on the layer 50 (FIG. 5) of the base end portion 12 and theskin 60 of the patient. This results in the base end portion 12 of thestrap 10 being securely gripped between the portion 62 (FIG. 7) of thebody of the patient and the main portion 16 of the strap 10. Thisresults in the base end portion 12 being anchored against movementrelative to the skin 60.

[0068] The friction connection established between the foam on theinside of the main portion 16 of the strap 10 and the foam on theoutside of the base end portion 12 of the strap forms the first turn ofthe strap into a loop around the portion 62 of the patient. Bytensioning the main portion 16 of the strap 10, the loop can be pulledtoward the right, as viewed in FIG. 7. Pulling the loop around theportion 62 of the patient's body applies tension forces to the skin 62of the patient. These tension forces are transmitted to body tissuebeneath the skin of the patient. The rightward (as viewed in FIG. 7)tension forces apply shear stress to superficial fascia and to deepfascia in the body of the patient. The tension forces may be transmittedto fascia associated with muscles of the patient, that is myofascia.

[0069] As the main portion 16 of the strap 10 is wrapped across the baseend portion 12 of the strap, the main portion of the strap is pulledtoward the right (as viewed in FIG. 7). This results in the applicationof a combination of shear and compressive forces to the skin 60 andsuperficial fascia immediately beneath the skin 60. The application ofshear forces to fatty tissue beneath the skin 60 can result in rupturingof fat globules and subsequent dissipation of the fat.

[0070] During a second turn or winding of the main portion 16 of thestrap 10 around the portion 62 of the patient's body in a second loop,the strap continues to be pulled toward the right (as viewed in FIG. 7)with an increased force. Increased tension forces in the second loophave shear components extending along the axis about which the strap 10is wound, that is, about the longitudinal central axis of the portion 62of the patient's body. This results in the application of sidewise shearforces to deep fascia in the patient's body, such as myofascia. Thesidewise shear forces applied to the deep fascia in the patient's bodyare effective to pull the deep fascia toward the right (as viewed inFIG. 7). As each successive turn of the strap 10 is wrapped around theportion 62 of the patient's body to form another loop, the force withwhich the strap is tensioned may be increased.

[0071] Increasing the tension forces in the strap 10 as the strap iswound around the portion 62 of the patient's body increases both thecompressive force applied against the portion 62 of the patient's bodyand the shear forces applied to tissue beneath the skin 60 of thepatient's body by the loops in the strap. The tension forces resultingfrom pulling the strap 10 have axial components. These axial componentscause a shifting of the skin 60 of the patient toward the right (asviewed in FIGS. 7 and 8) and a shifting of both superficial fascia anddeep fascia toward the right.

[0072] As the strap 10 is wrapped around the portion 62 of the patient'sbody, tension force, indicated by an arrow in FIG. 7, is transmittedfrom a loop being formed in the strap to previously formed loops in thestrap. Thus, each of the loops formed in the strap 10, after the firstloop, is effective to transmit force to an adjacent loop in the strap.The transmission of force between the loops of the strap has acompounding effect to increase the force transmitted to superficialfascia and deep fascia in the portion 62 of the patient as the strap 10is wrapped around the portion 62 of the patient.

[0073] The extent of shifting movement of the deep fascia and/or otherbody tissue can be controlled by controlling the tension applied to thestrap 10. Thus, the greater the shear or axially directed force which isto be applied to the deep fascia, the greater is the tension which isapplied to the strap 10 as the strap is wound around the portion 62 ofthe patient's body. There is a relatively high coefficient of frictionbetween the inner side surface 32 of the layer 34 of foam (FIG. 3) andthe skin 60 (FIGS. 7 and 8) on the portion 62 of the patient's body.Therefore, substantial forces directed in an axial direction along theportion 60 of the patient's body can be applied by the strap 10 duringwinding and tensioning of the strap.

[0074] When the strap 10 has been fully wrapped in a series of loopsaround the portion 62 of the patient's body, the retainer end portion 14of the strap is connected with the main portion 16 of the strap. Toeffect this interconnection, the retainer 38 (FIG. 4) on the retainerend portion 14 of the strap is pressed firmly against the layer 28 offabric on the main portion 16 of the strap. As this occurs, the hooks 42(FIG. 4) on the retainer 38 engage the loops of the layer 28 of fabricagainst which the retainer end portion 14 of the strap is pressed (FIG.8). This results in the retainer end portion 14 of the strap 10 beingconnected to the main portion 16 of the strap to hold the strap againstmovement relative to the portion 62 of the patient's body.

[0075] Although only three turns of the strap 10 have been illustratedin FIG. 8 as being looped around the portion 62 of the patient's body, agreater or lesser number of could be wound around the patient's body. Ofcourse, if additional turns of the strap 10 are to be wound around theportion 60 of the patient's body, the length of the strap 10 would beincreased. Similarly, if fewer turns were to be wound around the portion62 of the patient's body, the length of the strap would be decreased.

[0076] The strap 10 may be wrapped around a patient's forearm, in themanner illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, when the strap is being used in thetreatment of tennis elbow or a similar disorder. Of course, the strap 10may be wrapped around a patient's leg, in the manner illustrated inFIGS. 6-8, when the strap is being used in the treatment of a disorderassociated with the patient's leg. Although the strap 10 is illustratedin FIGS. 6-8 as being wrapped around only one portion 62 of thepatient's body, the strap could be wrapped around a plurality ofportions of a patient's body if desired. This could be done in manydifferent ways including a technique similar to the technique used informing a buddy bandage between two portions of a patient's body.

[0077] In FIG. 8, the strap 10 is would in a series of overlappingloops. However, it is contemplated that space could be provided betweenat least some of the loops. For example, after the first loop has beenformed in the manner illustrated in FIG. 7, a next succeeding loop couldbe formed by winding the strap 10 around a portion of the patient's bodywhich is spaced from the portion engaged by the first loop.

[0078] It is contemplated that modalities could be held in positionrelative to a patient's body by the strap 10. For example, magnets couldbe secured to the layer 28 of fabric by “Velcro” (trademark) hook typefasteners or could be positioned between the layer 34 of foam and thepatient's body. The strap 10 could be utilized to position electricalstimulus or monitors relative to the patient's body. If desired, thestrap 10 could be used to position ice packs relative to the patient'sbody.

[0079] It is contemplated that the device for use in treatment ofportions of a patient's body may be held in place by the use of one ormore straps having the same construction as the strap 10. These devicesmay be utilized for many different purposes including the straighteningor correction of a deformity or disability. A device positioned by astrap having the same construction as the strap 10, may be used for thefixation, union or protection of a portion of a patient's body. Thedevice positioned by a strap 10 may be used to correct malalignment ofjoints, bones, or other portions of a patient's body. Although the strap10 may be used to position many different devices relative to apatient's body, some devices which may be positioned by the strap 10 mayhave a construction similar to the construction of the devicesillustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 433,227; 3,698,389; 4,441,489; 4,848,326;5,685,830; and 5,848,979.

[0080] It is also contemplated that one or more straps, having the sameconstruction as the strap 10, may be utilized to position a portion of apatient's body relative to a portion of a device spaced from a patient'sbody. For example, a strap having a construction similar to theconstruction of the strap 10 could be utilized to position a portion ofa patient's body relative to an imaging apparatus, such as a magneticresonance imaging unit (MRI). The strap 10 could be utilized inassociation with an apparatus similar to the apparatus disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,577,503.

[0081] Use of Strap—FIGS. 9-11

[0082] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, thestrap 10 has been wound around a generally cylindrical portion of apatient's body, such as around a patient's forearm or the lower portionof a patient's leg. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 9-11, the strap is wrapped around the patient's hand and theregion of the patient's body where the patient's wrist and hand areinterconnected. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10 is generally similar to the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 1-8, similar numerals will be utilized to identifysimilar components, the suffix letter “a” being added to the numerals ofFIGS. 9 and 10 to avoid confusion.

[0083] When a strap 10 a is to be wound around a hand 70 of a patient, abase end portion 12 a (FIG. 9) of the strap 10 a is positioned inengagement with the back 74 of the hand. The main portion 16 a of thestrap 10 a is positioned between the first finger 78 (FIG. 10), that is,the thumb, and the second finger 80, that is, the forefinger. As thestrap 10 a is wrapped around the hand 70, the layer 34 a of foam on themain section 16 a of the strap engages the back 74 of the hand 70 and ispositioned in engagement with the palm of the hand.

[0084] As the strap 10 a is tensioned, the layer 34 a of foam on themain portion 16 a of the main portion of the strap is positioned inengagement with an exposed layer of foam on the base end portion 12 a ofthe strap. There is a relatively large coefficient of static frictionbetween the layer 34 a of foam on the main portion 16 a of the strap andthe exposed layer of foam on the outer side of the base end portion 12 aof the strap. There is also a large coefficient of static frictionbetween the layer 34 a of foam on the inner side of the base end portion12 a of the strap 10 a and the skin on the hand 70 of the patient. Theselarge coefficients of static friction result in the base end portion 12a of the strap being secured between the back 74 of the patient's hand70 and the main portion 16 a of the strap 10 a.

[0085] As the strap 10 a is wrapped in a loop around the patient's hand,in the manner indicated schematically by an arrow in FIG. 10, the strapis tensioned to firmly press the base end portion 12 a of the strap 10 aagainst the back 74 of the patient's hand 70. The strap 10 a is pulledinto engagement with the patient's wrist and is wrapped in a pluralityof loops around a region 84 (FIG. 11) where the patient's hand, wrist,and forearm are interconnected. This force results in bones and/or othertissue in the patient's hand 70 being held in a desired relationship. Inaddition, shear forces are transmitted to myofascial tissue disposedadjacent to the strap 10 a.

[0086] A retainer end portion 14 a of the strap 10 a is pressed againstthe layer 28 a of fabric on the main portion 16 a of the strap 10 a. Theretainer section 14 a has a hook-type retainer, corresponding to theretainer 38 of FIG. 4, which securely anchors the retainer end portion14 a of the strap 10 a against movement relative to the main portion 16a of the strap. By tensioning the strap 10 a as it is wrapped around theregion 84 where the hand, wrist, and forearm are interconnected in thewrist is held in extension.

[0087] The connection between the retainer section 14 a and the loop inthe strap 10 a results in tension forces, indicated by an arrow in FIG.11, being maintained. These tension forces are transmitted to myofascialtissue and bones in the hand, wrist and forearm of the patient.

[0088] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, thebase end portion 12 a of the strap 10 a has been positioned inengagement with the back 74 of the patient's hand 70. However, it iscontemplated that the base end portion 12 a of the strap could belocated in a different position relative to the hand 70 if desired. Forexample, the base end portion 12 a could be positioned in engagementwith the palm of the hand 70.

[0089] Use of Strap—FIGS. 12-14

[0090] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, thestrap 10 a is wrapped around the hand 70 and region 84 where the handand wrist are interconnected. In the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 12-14, the strap is wrapped around the first finger(thumb) and then wrapped around the region where the hand and wrist areinterconnected. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 12-14 is generally similar to the embodiments of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 1-11, similar numerals will be utilized todesignate similar components, the suffix letter “b” being added to thenumerals of FIGS. 12-14 to avoid confusion.

[0091] A strap 10 b is positioned relative to a patient's hand 70 b(FIG. 12) with a base end portion 12 b of the strap 10 b disposed in aregion 84 b where the hand and wrist of the patient are interconnected.The layer 34 b of foam on the inside of the base end portion 12 b andmain portion 16 b of the strap 10 b engages the skin on the hand 70 b ofthe patient. Once the base end portion 12 b of the strap 10 b has beenpositioned against the back of the patient's hand, the strap 10 b ispulled into the area between the first finger (thumb) 78 b and secondfinger (fore finger) 80 b on the hand of the patient (FIG. 12).

[0092] The main portion 16 b of the strap 10 b is then wrapped in aplurality of loops around the first finger (thumb) 78 b (FIG. 13). Asthe first finger 78 b is wrapped, the main portion 16 b of the strap istensioned and the layer 34 b of foam is pressed firmly against thefabric layer 28 b on the main portion of the strap 10 b. Tension forces,indicated schematically by an arrow in FIG. 13, are transmitted to bonesin the first finger 78 b and to tissue connected with the first finger.

[0093] The strap 10 b is then pulled downward and across the base endportion 12 b. This results in the layer 34 b of foam on the main portion16 b of the strap 10 b being pressed against the exposed foam layer onthe base end portion 12 b of the strap (FIG. 14). There is a relativelylarge coefficient of static friction between the foam layer 34 b on themain portion 16 b of the strap 10 b and the foam on the outside of thebase end portion 12 b of the strap 10 b. There is also a relativelylarge coefficient of static friction between the foam layer 34 b on theinside of the base end portion 12 b and the skin on the back of thepatient's hand 70 b. This results in the base end portion 12 b beingsecurely held against movement relative to the hand 70 b of the patientby engagement of the main portion 16 b of the strap with the base endportion.

[0094] The strap 10 b is then wrapped for a plurality of turns aroundthe region 84 b where the wrist, hand, and forearm of the patient areinterconnected. A retainer end portion (not shown) having the samestructure as the retainer end portion 14 of FIGS. 2 and 4 is thenpressed against the fabric layer 28 b on the main portion 16 b of thestrap 10 b to anchor the retainer end portion. The retainer portionmaintains tension force, indicated by an arrow in FIG. 14, in the strap,10 b.

[0095] Although the strap 10 b has been illustrated in FIGS. 12-14 asbeing wrapped around the first finger (thumb) 78 b on the hand 70 b, itis contemplated that the strap could be wrapped around a differentfinger if desired. Although the base end portion 12 b of the strap 10 bhas been shown disposed adjacent to the back of the hand 70 b of thepatient, the base end portion 12 b of the strap 10 b could be positionedadjacent to the palm of the hand 70 b if desired.

[0096] Use of Strap—FIGS. 15-17

[0097] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-14, thestrap is utilized in association with a hand of a patient. In theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 15-17, the strap isutilized in association with a knee of the patient. Since the embodimentof the invention illustrated in FIGS. 15-17 is generally similar to theembodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-14, similar numeralswill be utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “c”being added to the numerals of FIGS. 15-17 to avoid confusion.

[0098] The patella or kneecap of a patient may tend to shift toward theoutside of the knee of the patient. By applying force against thepatella with a strap 10 c, the patella can be moved medially inward froma laterally displaced position. It should be understood that the strap10 c could be utilized to move a patella back into alignment with a kneefrom a different position if desired. Thus, the strap 10 c may beutilized to displace the patella back into a desired position. This maybe accomplished by using the strap to pull the patella and deepertissue—myofascial structures.

[0099] When the strap 10 c is to be utilized to move a patella orkneecap on a right leg 88 of a patient from a laterally displacedposition, a base end portion 12 c of the strap 10 c is positionedlaterally or outward of the center of the right patella or kneecap (FIG.15). The main portion 16 c is pulled medially or inward across the topof the patella or kneecap in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 15.

[0100] As the strap 10 b is wrapped around the right leg 88 of thepatient, the layer 34 c of foam on the main portion 16 c of the strap 10c is positioned in engagement with skin 60 c on a right leg of thepatient. The main portion 16 c of the strap 10 c extends upward acrossthe anterior side of the patient's leg 88 at a location immediatelyabove the patella. When the strap reaches the center of the medial sideof the leg, at a location above the patella, the strap is pulledlaterally downward across the posterior side of the leg (FIGS. 15 and16).

[0101] As the main portion 16 c of the strap 10 c is pulled downwardacross the outside of the knee in the manner illustrated in FIG. 16, thefoam layer 34 c on the strap engages the base end portion 12 c of thestrap to press the base end portion firmly against the skin 60 c of thepatient. The relatively large coefficient of static friction between thefoam on the outside of the base end portion 12 c of the strap 10 c andthe foam on the inside of the main portion 16 c of the strap results ina secure connection between the base end portion and main portion of thestrap. The relatively large coefficient of static friction between thefoam on the inside of the base end portion 12 c of the strap 10 c andthe skin on the leg of the patient results in a secure connectionbetween the base end portion of the strap and the leg of the patient.

[0102] The resulting loop encircles the leg 88 of the patientimmediately above the kneecap. As the strap 10 c is pulled downward andleftward, as viewed in FIG. 16, force is applied to both the upper andlower portions of the kneecap (patella) by the strap. The resultingforce component pushes the right kneecap inward toward the left kneecap.

[0103] The patella or kneecap is centered in a triangular space 92formed by an intersection 94 (FIG. 16) between the main portion 16 c ofthe strap 10 c extending medially upward across an upper portion of thepatella and a section of the main portion 16 c of the strap 10 c whichextends medially downward and across a lower portion of the patella.These tension forces, indicated by an arrow in FIG. 16, are ttransmittedto body tissue disposed beneath the strap 10 c. As the main portion 16 cof the strap 10 c is pulled downward and medially inward across thelower portion of the patella (FIG. 16), the main portion 16 c of thestrap is tensioned downward and forward relative to the knee of thepatient. This results in the sections of the main portion 16 c of thestrap 10 c, which form the triangular space 92, pressing against thepatella to urge the patella medially inward from a laterally displacedposition.

[0104] The manner in which force is applied against the patella by thestrap 10 c is illustrated schematically in FIG. 17 in association with aknee of a patient. The patella or knee cap is illustrated schematicallyin FIG. 17 and is designated by the numeral 95. It should be understoodthat FIG. 17 is a schematic frontal view of the patient's knee and thepatella 95 has been illustrated in solid lines even though the patellais covered by skin and other body tissue.

[0105] The upper loop of the strap 10 c has been designated by thenumeral 96 in FIG. 17. The upper loop 96 of the strap 10 c applies adownward force component 97 and a right ward (as viewed in FIG. 17)force component 98 to the patella 95. Similarly, the lower loop of thestrap 10 c has been designated by the numeral 99 in FIG. 17. The lowerloop 99 of the strap 10 c applies an upward force component 100 and arightward (as viewed in FIG. 17) force component 101 to the patella 95.

[0106] The downward and upward force components 97 and 100 aresubstantially equal and cancel each other. The rightward forcecomponents 98 and 101 applied against the patella 95 result in arelatively large force 103 which moves the patella 95 toward the right(as viewed in FIG. 17). This results in body tissues around the patella95 being tensioned under the influence of the force components 98 and101 transmitted from the strap 10 c.

[0107] The patella 95 is moved into alignment with the other bones inthe leg 88 of the patient by the force applied against the patella bythe strap 10 c. The main portion 16 c of the strap 10 c is then pulledto the center of the inner side of the leg of the patient. The mainportion 16 c of the strap is then pulled upward and across the anteriorportion of the leg 88 of the patient to form a pair of loops, that is,the upper loop 96 which extends around the leg and is disposed above thepatella 95 and a lower loop which extends around the leg and is disposedbelow the patella. Force transmitted from the intersection 94 betweenthe two loops formed by the main portion 16 c of the strap 10 c forcesthe patella toward the left on the leg of the patient and into alignmentwith the knee of the patient.

[0108] The retainer end portion 14 c of the strap 16 c is then connectedwith the main portion 16 c of the strap at a location below the patella(FIG. 18). Rather than being connected with the downwardly extendingsection of the main portion 16 c of the strap 10 c, as shown in FIG. 18,the retainer end portion 14 c could be connected with the section of themain portion 16 c of the strap 10 c which extends upward across theupper side of the patella.

[0109] Use of Strap—FIG. 19

[0110] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-14 thestrap is utilized in association with a patient's hand. In theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 15-18 the strap isutilized in association with a patient's knee. In the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIG. 19, the strap is utilized in associationwith the arms and shoulders of a patient. Since the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIG. 19 is generally similar to the embodimentof the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-18, similar numerals will beutilized to identify similar components, the suffix letter “d” beingadded to the numerals of FIG. 18 to avoid confusion.

[0111] A strap 10 d has base end portion 12 d, a main portion 16 d and aretainer end portion 14 d. The strap 10 d is wrapped around the upperportion of right and left arms 102 and 104 and the trunk 106 of apatient. The strap 10 d applies force against the upper portion of thearms 102 and 104. The strap 10 d applies pressure against muscles andother body tissue connected with the shoulders of the patient. The strap10 d is effective to retard and increase proprioception of upwardrotational movement of the arms 102 and 104.

[0112] When the strap 10 d is to be positioned relative to the patient,the base end portion 12 d of the strap is positioned against the upperportion of the left arm 104 (FIG. 19). The main portion 16 d of thestrap 10 d is then tensioned across the back of the patient. The layerof foam on the main portion 16 d of the strap, that is, the layercorresponding to the layer 34 of foam in FIG. 3, engages the skin on theback of the patient. The layer of fabric, that is the fabric layercorresponding to the layer 28 of FIG. 3, faces away from the skin of thepatient.

[0113] While the base end portion 12 d is held against movement, themain portion 16 d of the strap 10 d is tensioned and the strappositioned across the chest of the patient. The layer of foam on themain portion 16 d of the strap is then moved into engagement with theupper layer of the base end portion 12 d. The layer of foam on thesection 16 d of the strap engages the exposed foam on the base endportion 12 d of the strap and is effective to anchor the base endportion 12 d of the strap against movement. The retainer end portion 14d of the strap is then connected with the fabric layer on the mainportion 16 d of the strap.

[0114] Engagement of the layer of foam on the main portion 16 d of thestrap 10 d with skin on the back and chest of the patient increasespatient awareness of use of muscles and related tissue connected withthe upper portions of the arms 102 and 104 of the patient. The increasedpatient proprioception facilitates treatment of upper arm and shoulderdisorders. In addition, the strap 10 d makes it easier for a patient tovoluntarily limit the range of upper arm movement.

[0115] Use of Strap—FIG. 20

[0116] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-19, thebase end portion 12 of the strap 10 is positioned in engagement withskin on a portion of a patient's body and a layer of foam on the insideof the strap is positioned in engagement with foam on the outside of thebase end portion. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG.20, the base end portion of the strap is a preformed loop with foam onthe inside. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 20is generally similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-19, similar numerals will be utilized to identify similarcomponents, the suffix letter “e” being added to the numerals of FIG. 19to avoid confusion.

[0117] A strap 10 e is utilized in association with a hand 70 e of apatient. The strap 10 e has a base end portion 12 e, a main portion 16e, and a retainer end portion (not shown) corresponding to the retainerend portion 14 of FIGS. 2 and 4. The main portion 16 e of the strap 10 eincludes a layer 28 e of fabric and a layer 34 e of foam. The mainportion 16 e of the strap 10 e has the same construction as the mainportion 16 of the strap 10 of FIGS. 1-5. As was previously mentioned,the retainer end portion of the strap 10 e has the same construction asthe retainer end portion 14 of the strap 10 of FIGS. 1-5.

[0118] The strap 10 e differs from the strap 10 of FIGS. 1-5 in that thebase end portion 12 e is a preformed loop 114 which is positioned aroundthe first finger (thumb) 78 e on the hand 70 e of the patient. Theinside of the loop 114 is completely lined by the layer 34 e of foam.The outside of the loop 114 is formed by the layer 28 e of fabric.

[0119] The loop 114 is formed by folding the end of the strap back onitself and heat staking the end of the strap to the main portion of thestrap when a loop 114 of a desired diameter has been formed. Thisresults in the inside of the loop being completely lined by the foamlayer 34 e. The outside of the loop is formed by the fabric layer 28 e.The loop 114 is connected to the main portion 16 e of the strap 10 ewhere the loop is heat staked to the strap.

[0120] The size of the loop 114 will vary depending upon the finger onthe hand 70 of the patient with which the loop is to be associated.Thus, if the loop is to be associated with the fifth finger (littlefinger) the loop would have a relatively small diameter. Similarly, ifthe strap 10 e is to be utilized with a person having a relatively smallhand, the loop 114 would be relatively small. However, if the loop 114is to be associated with a relatively large muscular hand, the loopwould be relatively large. It should be understood that it iscontemplated that the strap 10 e will be associated with any one of thefingers on hands of different sizes.

[0121] Once the loop 114 formed by the base end portion 12 e of thestrap 10 e has been positioned around the first finger 78 e on the hand70 e, the strap is wrapped around the first finger. As the main portion16 e of the strap 10 e is wrapped around the first finger 78 e, the foamlayer 34 e is pressed against the fabric layer 28 e on the outside ofthe loop 114. The main portion 16 e of the strap 10 e is then wrappedaround the region where the patient's hand and wrist are interconnected.

[0122] When the strap 10 e is used, the loop 114 is placed around thefirst finger 78 e. The main portion 16 e of the strap 10 e is tensionedand the strap is wrapped in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 20)around the first finger 78 e. As this occurs, the layer 34 e of foam onthe main portion 16 e of the strap 10 e is pressed against the layer 28e of fabric on the outside of the loop 114.

[0123] After the strap 10 e has been wrapped for more than one completerevolution about the first finger 78 e, the strap is moved along theback of the thumb and across a portion of the back of the hand where thethumb is joined with the hand, to a region where the wrist and hand ofthe patient are interconnected. The strap is then wrapped for aplurality of turns in a clockwise direction about the wrist of thepatient. The retainer end portion of the strap then engages the fabriclayer 28 e to secure the strap in the manner previously explained inconjunction with the embodiment of the strap illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

[0124] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 20, thestrap 10 e is provided with a preformed loop 114 for engagement with afinger 78 e on a hand 70 e of a patient. However, it is contemplatedthat the loop could be preformed for engagement with another portion ofa patient's body. For example, the size of the loop 114 could beincreased so that the loop could be utilized to engage an upper portionof an arm of a patient. Alternatively, the loop could be sized so as toengage a portion of a leg of a patient. If desired, the loop 114 couldbe sized so as to engage a toe on a foot of a patient. Although only asingle loop 114 has been illustrated in FIG. 20, a plurality of loopscould be formed in the strap 10 e if desired.

[0125] Use of Strap—FIG. 21

[0126] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, thestrap 10 is provided with a base end portion 12 and a retainer endportion 14. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 21, aplurality of straps which have the same construction throughout theirlength are utilized to apply force against shoulders of a patient. Sincethe embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 20 is generallysimilar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-20,similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, thesuffix letter “f” being added to the numerals of FIG. 21 to avoidconfusion.

[0127] The straps 10 f and 120 are utilized to apply force againstshoulders 122 and 124 of a patient. The straps 10 f and 120 extendacross the shoulders 122 and 124 of the patient and down posterior andanterior sides of a trunk 128 of the patient. Although the portions ofthe straps 10 f and 120 disposed on the anterior side of the patient'strunk are illustrated in FIG. 21, it should be understood that thestraps extend straight down the posterior side of the trunk 128 of thepatient. Therefore, the portion of the straps which extend down theposterior side of the patient's trunk 128 extend generally parallel toand are aligned with the portions of the straps which extend down theanterior side of the patient's trunk. The straps 10 f and/or 120 may beutilized in the treatment of a fractured clavicle or other bone in theshoulder of the patient.

[0128] The strap 10 f has a uniform construction throughout its length.The strap 10 f has the same construction as the main portion 16 of thestrap 10 of FIGS. 1-3. Thus, the strap 10 f includes an outer fabriclayer 28 f and an inner foam layer, corresponding to the foam layer 34of FIG. 3. The inner foam layer of the strap 10 f is disposed inengagement with skin on the trunk 128 of the patient.

[0129] Due to a gripping action between the foam layer on the inside ofthe strap 10 f and the skin 60 f on the trunk 128 of the patient, atension force can be maintained in the strap 28 f. This tension force iseffective to apply pressure against scapula muscles to relievemyofascial pain or other maladies. In addition, the strap is effectiveto increase the patient's proprioception of the shoulder 122. Increasedawareness of the shoulder 122 results from pulling of the strap 10 f onthe skin 60 f of the trunk 128 of the patient during movement of the armconnected with the shoulder. Opposite ends of the strap 10 f extend tothe patient's waist. This enables opposite ends of the strap 10 f to beheld in position on the patient's trunk 128 by clothing, such as a belt,worn by the patient.

[0130] The strap 10 f may be utilized by itself or in association with asecond strap 120. The strap 120 has the same construction as the strap10 f and is positioned in the same manner relative to the oppositeshoulder 124. The strap 120 cooperates with the patient's shoulder 124and trunk 128 in the same manner as previously discussed in associationwith the strap 10 f. It should be understood that either one of the twostraps 10 f or 120 may be utilized by itself without the other strap ifdesired.

[0131] Use of Strap—FIGS. 22 and 23

[0132] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 21, thetwo straps 10 f and 120 are held in position relative to the trunk 128of the patient by a gripping action between the layers of foam on theinside of the straps and the skin 60 f of the patient along withclothing worn by the patient. In the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the straps over the shoulders of thepatient are held in position relative to the trunk of the patient by athird strap which extends around the trunk of the patient. Since theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 is generallysimilar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-21,similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, thesuffix letter “g” being added to the numerals of FIGS. 22 and 23 toavoid confusion.

[0133] Straps log and 120 g extend across opposite shoulders 122 g and124 g of a patient. The straps extend down posterior and anterior sidesof a trunk 128 g of the patient. The straps 10 g and 120 g apply forceto scapula muscles and/or other tissue in the shoulders 122 g and 124 gof the patient. The straps 10 g and/or 120 g may be utilized in thetreatment of a fractured clavicle or other bone in a shoulder of thepatient.

[0134] The strap 10 g is provided with base end portions at oppositeends of the strap. Thus, the strap 10 g has a base end portion 12 g atthe end of the strap 10 g disposed on the anterior side of the trunk 128g of the patient. Similarly, the strap 10 g has a base end portion atthe end of the strap on the posterior side of the trunk of the patient.

[0135] The base end portions at opposite ends of the strap 10 g have thesame construction as the base end portion 12 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 5. Thus,an anterior base end portion 12 g of the strap 10 g has a layer of foam,corresponding to the lower layer 50 of FIG. 5, which engages the skin 60g on the trunk of the patient. The end portion 12 g of the strap 10 ghas an outer layer, corresponding to the upper layer 48 of FIG. 5, whichfaces outward away from the skin 60 g on the anterior side of trunk 128g of the patient.

[0136] Although only the anterior side base end portion 12 g of thestrap 10 g is illustrated in FIG. 22, it should be understood that thereis a similar base end portion at the end of the strap 12 g disposed onthe posterior side of the trunk 10 g of the patient. The two base endportions both have the same construction as the base end portion 12 ofthe strap 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The strap 10 g does not have anend portion with a construction which corresponds to the construction ofthe retainer end portion 14 of the strap 10 of FIGS. 1-5.

[0137] The portion of the strap 10 g extending between the opposite baseend portions, that is, between the anterior base end portion 12 g andthe corresponding posterior base end portion, has the same constructionas the main portion 16 of the strap 10 of the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. Thus, the strap 10 g has a layer offabric 28 g which extends for the entire length of the strap 10 g. Alayer of foam, corresponding to the layer 34 of foam of FIG. 3, isdisposed on the side of the strap 10 g toward the skin 60 g of thepatient. The layer of foam extends throughout the entire length of thestrap 10 g. The layer of foam on the inside of the strap 10 g iseffective to grip the skin 60 g of the patient to hold the strap againstmovement relative to the skin.

[0138] The strap 120 g has the same construction as the strap 10 g.Thus, the strap 120 g has a pair of base end portions with the sameconstruction as the base end portion 12 of the strap 10 of FIGS. 1-5.There is a base end portion, with the same construction as the base endportion 12 of FIG. 5, at the end of the strap 120 g disposed on theanterior side of the trunk 128 g of the patient. Similarly, there is abase end portion with the same construction as the base end portion 12of FIG. 5 at the end of the strap 120 g disposed on the posterior sideof the trunk of the patient. The posterior and anterior base endportions of the straps 10 g and 120 g are aligned with each other in atransverse plane extending through the trunk of the patient.

[0139] In accordance with a feature of the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIG. 22, a retaining strap 136 extends around the trunk128 of the patient. The retaining strap 136 holds the two straps log and120 g in desired positions relative to the trunk 128 g and shoulders 122g and 124 g of the patient. The retaining strap 136 has the sameconstruction as the strap 10 of FIGS. 1-5.

[0140] The retaining strap 136 has a base end portion with foam onopposite sides of the base end portion, in the same manner asillustrated in FIG. 5. The retaining strap 136 has a retainer endportion with a retainer having the same construction as the retainer 38of FIG. 4. The retainer end portion of the strap 136 has the sameconstruction as the retainer end portion 14 of the strap 10 of FIG. 4. Amain portion extends between the base end portion and retainer endportion of the retaining strap 136 of FIG. 22. The main portion of theretaining strap 136 has the same construction as the main portion 16 ofthe strap 10 of FIGS. 1-5.

[0141] When the straps 10 g, 120 g and 136 are to be utilized to treat apatient, the straps 10 g and 120 g are first positioned across theshoulders 122 g and 124 g and down the posterior and anterior sides ofthe trunk 128 g. The retaining strap 136 is then positioned around thetrunk 128 g. The layer of foam on the main portion 16 of the retainingstrap 136 engages the posterior and anterior base end portions of thestrap 10 g and the posterior and anterior base end portions of the strap120 g. Engagement of the layer of foam on the inside of the retainingstrap 136 with the foam on the outside of the base end portions of thestraps log and 120 g holds the base end portions of the straps againstmovement relative to the trunk 128 g of the patient.

[0142] When the retaining strap 136 is to be positioned around the trunk128 g of the patient, the base end portion of the retaining strap 136 ispositioned on either the left or right side of the trunk adjacent toeither the left or right arm of the patient. The main portion of theretaining strap 136 is then wrapped around the trunk of the patient. Asthis is done, the layer of foam, corresponding to the layer 34 of foamon the main portion 16 of the strap 10 (FIGS. 13), is positioned inengagement with the anterior and posterior base end portions 12 g (FIG.22) of the strap 10 g. The layer of foam on the main portion of theretaining strap 136 is also positioned in engagement with the base endportions of the strap 120 g disposed on the anterior and posterior sidesof the trunk 128 g of the patient.

[0143] The layer of foam on the inside of the main portion of theretaining strap 136 is then positioned in engagement with the layer offoam on the outside of the base end portion of the retaining strap 136.The retainer end portion of the retaining strap 136 is connected withthe layer of fabric on the outside of the main portion of the retainingstrap in the same manner as previously explained in conjunction with theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

[0144] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 22, theretaining strap 136 is positioned around the waist of the patient.However, it is contemplated that the retaining strap 136 could bepositioned at a different location relative to the trunk 128 g of thepatient. For example, the retaining strap 136 could be positioned aroundthe chest of the patient. If desired, a plurality of retaining straps,having the same construction as the retaining strap 136, could bepositioned at a plurality of locations around the trunk 128 g of thepatient. Connector straps could be connected with and extend between thestraps 10 g and 120 g on the posterior and/or anterior sides of thetrunk of the patient. The relatively short connector straps could beused with or without the retaining strap 136.

[0145] The manner in which the retaining strap 136 cooperates with thestrap 120 g extending across the shoulder 124 g (FIG. 22) of the patientis illustrated in FIG. 23. The shoulder strap 120 g includes a mainportion 16 g having a layer 34 g of foam and a layer 28 g of fabric. Thelayer 34 g of foam has an inner side surface 32 g which engages the skin60 g of the patient.

[0146] The shoulder strap 120 g has an anterior base end portion 12 g(FIG. 23). The base end portion 12 g of the strap 120 g includes a loweror inner layer 50 g and an upper or outer layer 48 g. The layers 48 gand 50 g of the end portion 12 g of the shoulder strap 120 g areintegrally formed as one piece with the main portion 16 g of theshoulder strap. The layers 48 g and 50 g on the base end portion 12 g ofthe shoulder strap 120 g are fixedly connected to each other by heatstaking. Of course, the layers 48 g and 50 g could be fixedlyinterconnected in a different manner if desired.

[0147] The retaining strap 136 has a main portion 16 g which extendsacross the base end portion 12 g of the shoulder strap 120 g. The mainportion 16 g of the retaining strap 136 includes a layer 28 g of fabricand a layer 34 g of foam. The layer 34 g of foam on the main portion 16g of the retaining strap 136 is disposed in engagement with the layer offoam on the upper or outer layer 48 g of the base end portion 12 g ofthe shoulder strap 120 g. The gripping action between the layers of foamon the base end portion 12 g of the shoulder strap 120 g and the mainportion 16 g of the retaining strap 136 is effective to interconnect thetwo straps and hold them against movement relative to each other.

[0148] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 22 and23, the base end portion 12 g of the shoulder strap 120 g (FIG. 22)includes an upper or outer layer 48 g and a lower or inner layer 50 ghaving layers of fabric and foam which are integrally formed as onepiece with the layer 28 g of fabric and the layer 32 g of foam of themain portion 16 g of the strap 120 g. However, a layer of foam could bebonded directly on the outer or upper side of the layer of fabric 28 gwhich extends through the lower layer 50 g of the base end portion 12 gof the shoulder strap 120 g. This would result in the base end portion12 g of the shoulder strap having only a single layer of fabric ratherthan the two layers formed by doubling over the layer 28 g of fabric.

[0149] In the embodiment of the strap 120 g illustrated in FIGS. 22 and23, the shoulder strap 120 g ends at the retaining strap 136. However,if desired, the shoulder strap 120 g could extend downward past theretaining strap 136. If this was done, the shoulder strap 120 g wouldextend to the left (as viewed in FIG. 23) of the retaining strap 136.With such a construction, it is believed that it may be preferred tobonded a layer of foam directly on the layer 28 g of fabric of theshoulder strap 120 g for engagement by the retaining strap 136.Alternatively, a separate piece or segment of the strap material couldbe connected to the main portion 16 g of the shoulder strap 120 g byheat staking. This would result in a construction similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 23 with the exception of elimination of the bend 52g between the upper or outer layer 48 g and the lower or inner layer 50g and in continuation of the main portion 16 g of the strap 120 g to theleft (as viewed in FIG. 23) of the retaining strap 136.

[0150] Although two shoulder straps 10 g and 120 g have been illustratedin FIG. 22, a single shoulder strap could be utilized if desired. Itshould be understood that a plurality of retaining straps 136 could beused with one or more shoulder straps if desired. When two shoulderstraps 10 g and 120 g are utilized, short connector straps may beextended between the shoulder straps. Although it is believed that theretaining strap 136 will be used with the connector straps, theconnector straps may be used without the retaining straps.

[0151] Use of Strap Material—FIGS. 24 and 25

[0152] In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-23,the layers of foam and fabric have been used as strap material. In theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the layersof foam and fabric are utilized as a lining for an orthosis. Sincecomponents of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 24and 25 are similar to components of the invention illustrated in FIGS.1-23, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components,the suffix letter “h” being associated with FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0153] An orthosis 142 is illustrated in FIG. 24. The orthosis 142 isillustrated schematically in association with an arm of a patient tomove an elbow joint disposed between the upper arm and forearm of thepatient. However, it should be understood that the orthosis 142 could beutilized in association with other portions of a body of a patient. Itis contemplated that the orthosis 142 will be utilized to effect astatic progressive stretching of viscoelastic tissue associated with ajoint in a body of a patient.

[0154] The orthosis 142 includes a cuff 144 which is attachable with anupper portion of an arm of a patient and a cuff 146 which is attachablewith a lower portion of an arm of a patient. The cuff 144 is slidablealong a cuff arm 148. Similarly, the cuff 146 is slidable along a cuffarm 150.

[0155] A tower 154 is connected with the cuff arms 148 and 150. A drivemechanism 156 is connected with the tower 154 and the cuff arms 148 and150. The drive mechanism 156 is manually operated. However, a motorcould be utilized to operate the drive mechanism 156 if desired.

[0156] During use of the orthosis 142, the drive mechanism 156 isoperated to cause the cuff arms 148 and 150 to pivot about connectionswith the tower 154. As the cuff arms are pivoted relative to the tower154, the cuffs 144 and 146 move along the cuff arms.

[0157] The construction and manner of use of the orthosis 142 is thesame as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,075. The disclosure in theaforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,075 is hereby incorporated herein inits entirety by this reference thereto. The orthosis could have adifferent construction than the specific construction of the orthosis142. For example, the orthosis could have a construction similar to thatdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,830 or 5,848,979.

[0158] In accordance with a feature of the invention, the cuffs 144 and146 of the orthosis are lined with the same material which forms themain portion 16 of the strap 10. Thus, the cuff 146 has a lining 160.The lining 160 includes a layer 28 h of fabric which is fixedly secured,for example, by adhesive and/or heat staking, to the cuff 146. A layer34 h of foam is provided on the inside of the lining 160. The layer 34 hof foam engages the skin on the patient's body. It should be understoodthat the layer 28 h of fabric and the layer 34 h of foam has the sameconstruction as the layer 28 of fabric and the layer 34 of foam of FIGS.1-5.

[0159] Use of Straps—FIGS. 26 and 27

[0160] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 25 and26, a plurality of straps are utilized to close an opening in apatient's skin. Since the straps of the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27 have the same general construction as thestraps of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-23,similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, thesuffix letter “j” being associated with the numerals of FIGS. 26 and 27to avoid confusion.

[0161] An opening 170 (FIG. 26) is formed in the body of a patient. Theopening extends through an outer surface 172 of the skin 60 j of thepatient into body tissue 174 disposed beneath the skin. The opening 170may be formed by an incision, wound, or other cause.

[0162] In order to promote healing of body tissue, it is desirable toclose the opening and press the body tissue 174 on opposite sides of theopening firmly together. This is accomplished by utilizing a pair ofstraps 180 and 182 (FIG. 27). The straps 180 and 182 are wrapped arounda portion of the patient's body in which the opening 170 is disposed.The straps 180 and 182 are disposed on opposite sides of the opening170.

[0163] The straps 180 and 182 apply tension forces to the body tissue174 urging the body tissue on one side of the opening toward the bodytissue on the other side of the opening. These tension forces areeffective to close the opening 170 in the manner illustratedschematically in FIG. 27. An optional connector member 186 extendsbetween the straps 180 and 182 and cooperates with the straps to holdthe opening 170 closed. If desired, the connector member 186 could beeliminated and the opening 170 held in the closed condition of FIG. 27by only shear or tension forces applied to the body tissue 174 by thestraps 180 and 182.

[0164] The straps 180 and 182 have the same construction as the strap 10of FIGS. 1-5. Thus, the strap 180 has a base end portion correspondingto the base end portion 12 of the strap 10, a main portion correspondingto the main portion 16 of the strap 10, and a retainer end portioncorresponding to the retainer end portion 14 of the strap 10. Similarly,the strap 182 has a base end portion corresponding to the base endportion end portion 12 of the strap 10, a main portion corresponding tothe main portion 16 of the strap 10 and a retainer end portioncorresponding to the retainer end portion 14 of the strap 10. The twostraps 180 and 182 both have the same construction as the strap 10 andare positioned around a portion of a patient's body in the same manneras previously described in conjunction with the strap 10.

[0165] A layer 34 j of foam on a main portion 16 j of the strap 180 isdisposed in engagement with the skin 60 j on one side, that is the leftside as viewed in FIG. 27 of the opening 120. A second turn of the mainportion 16 j of the strap overlies a portion of the first turn of thestrap. The layer of foam in the main portion of the second turn of thestrap 34 j engages a layer 28 j of fabric in the first turn of thestrap. The second loop of the strap 180 is tensioned and pulled towardthe right (as viewed in FIG. 27) to apply force to the skin 60 j.

[0166] The force applied to the skin 60 j has a radially inward orcompressive component and a tension component which extends parallel tothe surface of the skin 60 j. The tension component of the force appliedto the skin 60 j by the second turn of the strap 180 pulls the skin andunderlying body tissue 174 toward the right (as viewed in FIG. 27). Thisrightward movement of the body tissue 174 results in a partial closingof the opening 170.

[0167] The strap 182 has the same construction as the strap 180.However, the second turn or winding of the strap 182 applies a leftward(as viewed in FIG. 27) force component to the skin 60 j and body tissue174. This leftward force component moves the skin 60 j and body tissueon the right side of the opening 174 toward the skin and body tissue onthe opposite or left side of the opening. This results in the openingbeing closed in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 27.

[0168] When the opening 170 is closed by oppositely directed shear ortension forces applied to the body tissue 174 by the straps 180 and 182,the body tissue on opposite sides of the opening is pressed together.Pressing the body tissue 174 on opposite sides of the opening 170together promotes healing of the body tissue and permanent closing ofthe opening 170.

[0169] Although the straps 180 and 182 have been wrapped around thepatient's body for only two complete turns, it is contemplated that thestraps could be wrapped around the body tissue for additional turns ifdesired. If this was done, the tension or shear forces applied to thebody tissue 174 tending to close the opening 170 would be increased. Ofcourse, the wrapping of the straps 180 and 182 around the portion of thepatient's body in which the opening 170 is formed would begin at alocation spaced further from the opening to accommodate the additionalturns of the straps.

[0170] An optional connector member 186 is illustrated in FIG. 27 asextending between the straps 180 and 182. The connector member 186 hasthe same construction as the retainer 38 of FIG. 4. Thus, the connectormember 186 has a plurality of hooks which are engagable with the loopfabric layers 34 j on the outside of the straps 180 and 182.

[0171] The connector member 186 can be utilized to apply forces to thestraps 180 and 182 urging them toward each other in order to furtherpromote closing of the opening 170. Alternatively, the connector member186 may merely be pressed in place against the straps 180 and 182 afterthe opening 170 has been closed by the shear forces applied to the bodytissue 174 by the straps 180 and 182. This would result in the connectormember 186 being effective to prevent separation of the straps 180 and182 and subsequent reformation of the opening 170 after the opening hasbeen closed.

[0172] When the opening 170 is disposed on a portion of a patient's bodywhich is subjected to forces tending to reestablish the opening 170during normal daily activities of the patient, it is believed that theconnector member 186 will be particularly advantageous. Of course, incertain situations at least, the connector member 186 may be eliminated.

[0173] Use of Strap—FIGS. 28 and 29

[0174] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 28 and29, the strap is utilized to restrain movement of an arm of the patient.Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 isgenerally similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-23, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similarcomponents, the suffix letter “k” being added to the numerals of FIGS.28 and 29 to avoid confusion.

[0175] A strap 10 k is wrapped around an arm 102 k and extendshorizontally across posterior side of a trunk 128 k of a patient in themanner illustrated schematically in FIG. 29. The strap 10 k extendsbeneath the axilla between an arm 104 k and the trunk 128 k of thepatient. The strap extends upward across the anterior side of the trunk128 k of the patient adjacent to the arm 104 k. The strap 10 k extendsacross the shoulder 124 k of the patient (FIGS. 28 and 29). The strap 10k extends downward across the posterior side of the shoulder 124 k andtrunk 128 k of the patient (FIG. 29) to a connection 200 with a portionof the strap 10 k extending across the posterior side of the trunk 128 kof the patient.

[0176] Tension in the strap 10 k urges the arm 102 k of the patienttoward the trunk 128 k of the patient and in a posterior direction. Thestrap 10 k tends to limit abduction of the right arm 102 k of thepatient. Of course, if the strap 10 k was wrapped around the upperportion of the left arm 104 k of the patient and extended across theright shoulder 122 k of the patient, abduction of the left arm 104 kwould be limited. The strap 10 k may be utilized in the treatment of afractured clavicle or other bone in the shoulder of the patient.

[0177] When the strap 10 k is connected with the right arm 102 k andextends across the left shoulder 124 k of the patient, in the mannerillustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, proprioception of the patient tomovement of the right arm 102 k is increased. This is because the layerof foam on the portion of the strap 10 k extending across the posteriorside of the trunk 128 k and extending downward across the posterior sideof the left shoulder 124 k of the patient transmits force to the skin 60k on the posterior side of the trunk 128 k of the patient. This forceincreases the patient's awareness of how the right arm 102 k is beingmoved.

[0178] The strap 10 k has the same construction as the strap 10 of FIGS.1-5. Thus, the strap 10 k (FIGS. 28 and 29) has a base end portion,corresponding to the base end portion 12 of the strap 10, a main portion16 k corresponding to the main portion of the strap 10 and a retainerend portion 14 k corresponding to the retainer end portion 14 of thestrap 10. The retainer end portion 14 k of the strap 10 k is connectedwith the main portion 16 k of the strap 10 k at the intersection 200(FIG. 29) between the portion of the strap 10 k which extends across theposterior side of the trunk of the patient in a transverse plane and theportion of the strap 10 k which extends downward from the shoulder 124 kacross the posterior side of the trunk 128 k.

[0179] When the strap 10 k is to be connected with the patient in themanner illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, the base end portion of the strap10 k, corresponding to the base end portion 12 of the strap 10, ispositioned in engagement with the front side of the upper arm of thepatient at a location indicated by the numeral 204 in FIG. 28. The layerof foam on the inside of the main portion 16 k is positioned inengagement with the skin on the upper portion of the right arm of thepatient. The strap 10 k is then wrapped across the portion of the upperarm of the patient which is furthest from the trunk of the patient. Thestrap 10 k is then is wrapped across the portion of the upper arm at theaxilla between the right arm 102 k and the trunk 128 k of the patient.

[0180] The main portion 16 k of the strap 10 k is then pulled across thebase end portion of the strap 10 k at the location designated by thenumeral 204 in FIG. 28. This results in the foam layer on the inside ofthe strap, that is the foam layer corresponding to the foam layer 34 ofFIGS. 1-5, engaging foam on the base end portion of the strap. The strap10 k is then wrapped, for a second time, across the upper portion of theright arm 102 k which is furthest from the trunk 128 k of the patient.This results in the formation of a loop around the upper portion of theright arm 102 k of the patient.

[0181] The strap is then pulled across the posterior side of thepatient's trunk. The tension in the main portion 16 k of the strap 10 kfirmly presses the base end portion of the strap 10 k against the skinof the patient. The tension force and engagement of the layer of foam onthe main portion 16 k of the strap 10 k with the layer of foam on theoutside of the base end portion of the strap 10 k holds the main portion16 k of the strap against movement relative to the loop which extendsaround the upper portion of the right arm 102 k of the patient.

[0182] The tension in the main portion 16 k of the strap results in thelayer of foam on the inside of the main portion of the strap 16 k beingpressed firmly against the posterior side of the trunk 128 k of thepatient. The strap 16 k is then moved through the axilla formed betweenthe upper portion of the left arm 104 k and trunk 128 k of the patient.The strap 10 k is then pulled upward across the left shoulder 124 k(FIG. 28) and then downward and rightward across the posterior side ofthe trunk 128 k of the patient (FIG. 29). The retainer end portion 14 kof the strap 10 k is then pressed firmly against the layer of fabric onthe outside of the main portion 16 k of the strap 10 k to form a loopwhich extends around the left shoulder 124 k and a portion of the trunk128 k of the patient.

[0183] When the strap 10 k is pulled downward, in the manner indicatedby the arrow in FIG. 29, force is transmitted to body tissue disposedbeneath the strap. This tension force may be utilized to urge one ormore bones in the shoulder 124 k of the patient into a desiredrelationship. The tension force is also transmitted through the layer offoam on the inside of the strap 16 k to superficial fascia and deepfascia which are disposed in the patient's body near the strap.

[0184] If desired, a second strap may be connected with the strap 10 k.The second strap may be provided with two retainer end portions,corresponding to the retainer end portion 14 of FIGS. 2 and 4 and nobase end portion, corresponding to the base end portion 12. One of theretainer end portions of the second strap may be connected to theanterior portion of the loop around the right arm 102 k of the patientand extend across the right shoulder 122 k of the patient to the mainportion 16 k of the strap 10 k which extends across the trunk 128 k ofthe patient in a transverse plane. Of course, the second strap could beconnected with the first strap 10 k in a different manner if desired.

[0185] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 28 and29, a single strap 10 k is utilized. However, a plurality of strapscould be utilized if desired. One of the straps could be wrapped aroundthe upper portion of the right arm 102 k of the patient and the otherstrap could be wrapped around the upper portion of the left arm 104 k ofthe patient. The two straps could be interconnected at a central portionof the trunk 128 k of the patient. The use of the straps may beparticularly advantageous when treating a fractured clavicle or otherbone in either or both of the shoulders of the patient.

[0186] If desired, a single, relatively long strap could be provided toform loops around both shoulders 122 k and 124 k of the patient. Eachloop of the two loops would extend around one of the shoulders of thepatient in the same manner as in which the strap 10 k extends around theleft shoulder 124 k of the patient in FIGS. 28 and 29. The base endportion of the strap may be positioned at any desired location on thepatient, for example, on top of the right shoulder 122 k. The singlelong strap would then be wrapped around the right shoulder 122 k for oneor more turns and around the left shoulder 124 k for one or more turns.The retainer end portion may then be connected with the layer of fabricon the main portion of the strap.

[0187] The strap 10 k which extends around one shoulder 124 k, aplurality of straps which extend around both shoulders 122 k and 124 k,or a single long strap which extends around both shoulders may beutilized to position modality and/or a monitor relative to the body tothe patient. The modality may include a magnet, electrical stimulator,monitor or ice pack. The use of the strap 10 k or a plurality of strapsmay be advantageous in holding a monitor, such as a heart monitor,relative to the body of the patient.

[0188] Use of Strap—FIGS. 30 and 31

[0189] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, theonly foam which is exposed on the outer side 20 (FIG. 1) of the strap isthe foam on the base end portion 12 of the strap. The layer 28 of fabricextends across the outer side 20 of the main portion 16 and retainerportion 14 of the strap 10. In the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, foam is exposed at two locations on theouter side of the strap, that is, at the base end portion and at alocation on the main portion of the strap. Since the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 is generally similar to theembodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-23, similar numeralswill be utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “m”being added to the numerals of FIGS. 30 and 31 to avoid confusion.

[0190] A strap 10 m is wrapped around a portion 220 of the patient'sbody. A second strap 224 is connected with the first strap 10 m at anintersection 200 m. The two straps may extend around any desired portionof a patient's body.

[0191] In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the invention,a foam section 228 (FIG. 31) is provided at the intersection 220 tointerconnect the straps 10 m and 224. The section 228 of foam is fixedlysecured to the layer 28 m of fabric of the strap 10 m at a main portion16 m of the strap 10 m. A layer 34 m of foam on a main section 16 m ofthe strap 224 engages the section 228 of foam. The relatively highcoefficient of friction between the surfaces of the layer 34 m of foamon the strap 224 and the section 228 of foam on the strap 10 m resultsin a secure connection between the two straps.

[0192] The strap 10 m has a layer of foam 34 m which engages skin 60 mon body tissue 174 m. The layer 34 m of foam is fixedly connected to thelayer 28 m of fabric. The strap 10 m is provided with a base end portion(not shown) corresponding to the base end portion 12 of the strap 20(FIGS. 1, 2 and 5). In addition, the strap 10 m is provided with aretainer end portion corresponding to the retainer end portion of thestrap 10 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4).

[0193] Unlike the strap 10 of FIGS. 1-5, the strap 10 m (FIG. 31) isprovided with a section 228 of foam which is secured to the outer sideof the layer 28 m of fabric. The section 228 of foam may be secured tothe layer 28 m of fabric in any desired manner. For example, by the useof adhesive and/or heat staking. The section 228 of foam may be providedwith its own separate backing layer of fabric, that is, with a layercorresponding to the layer 28 m of fabric. Alternatively, the section228 of foam may be bonded directly to the layer 28 m of fabric.

[0194] If the section 228 of foam is formed with its own backing layerof fabric, the section 228 would be connected with the strap 10 m byheat staking the section of foam and its associated backing layer offabric to the main portion 16 m of the strap 10 m. The backing layer offabric connected with the section 228 of foam would be disposed inabutting engagement with the layer 228 m of fabric on the main section16 m of the strap 10 m. However, due to the relatively low coefficientof friction between the two layers of fabric, the section 228 of foamand its backing layer would be fixedly connected with the main portion16 m of the strap 10 m by suitable fastening, such as heat staking.

[0195] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 30 and31, a second strap 224 engages the section 228 of foam on the strap 10m. However, the section 228 of foam could be disposed on the strap 10 mat a location where a portion of the strap 10 m is overlapped by anotherportion of the strap 10 m. Thus, the section 228 of foam could be usedto provide an anchor at an intersection between sections of a singlestrap 10 m.

[0196] Conclusion

[0197] The present invention relates to a new and improved strap 10 andmethod of using the strap for treatment of a patient. Base and secondend portions 12 and 14 of the strap 10 may be interconnected by a mainportion 16 of the strap. The base end portion 12 of the strap 10 mayhave opposite sides 48 and 50 with surfaces which are formed of foam.The main portion 16 of the strap may have a first side 22 with a surface31 which is formed of foam 34 and a second side 20 with a surface 26which is formed of fabric 28. If desired, the surfaces formed of foamcould be formed of a different material. A retainer 38 may be connectedwith the second end portion 14 of the strap 10 to connect the second endportion of the strap with the main portion 16 of the strap.

[0198] When the strap 10 is to be utilized to treat a patient, a layer34 formed of foam disposed on the first side 22 of the strap 10 may beplaced in engagement with skin 60 on the body of the patient. The baseend portion 12 of the strap 10 is retained against movement relative tothe body of the patient by wrapping the strap 10 around a portion of thebody of the patient and positioning a portion of the layer 34 formed offoam on the first side 22 of the strap in engagement with foam disposedon the second side 20 of the base end portion 12 of the strap. Thesecond end portion 14 of the strap 10 may be connected with a fabriclayer 28 which forms the second side 20 of the strap.

[0199] If desired, a plurality of straps 10 g, 120 g and 136 may beutilized in the treatment of the patient. At least some of these straps10 g, 120 g, and 136 may have a layer 34 of foam disposed on a firstside of the strap and layer 28 of fabric disposed on the opposite sideof the strap. The layers 34 of foam on the first side of the straps maybe positioned in engagement with the skin of the patient and the strapsmay be interconnected. Interconnecting of the straps may be performed byengaging foam on the second side, that is the fabric side, of a strapwith the layer of foam on the first side of a strap. A retainer 38which, for example, may be a hook and loop type fastener, may beprovided to connect an end portion of one strap with a layer 28 offabric on another strap or with a layer of fabric on the one strap.

[0200] It is contemplated that a strap 10 constructed in accordance withthe present invention may be utilized during the treatment of manydifferent portions of a patient's body. For example, the strap may beutilized in conjunction with treatment of an arm, hand, leg, foot,shoulder, or other portion of a patient's body. A single strap 10 may bewrapped around one or more portions of a patient's body. Alternatively,a first strap 10 g may be wrapped around one portion of a patient's bodyand a second strap 136 connected with the first strap and wrapped aroundanother portion of a patient's body.

[0201] The strap 10 may be utilized to apply force to deep fascia suchas myofascial tissue. Of course, the strap 10 may also be used to applyforce to superficial fascia. It is contemplated that one or more of thestraps 10 may be used to increase a patient's proprioception. The straps10 may also be utilized to effect shifting of a bone, such as a patella,in the body of a patient. The straps 10 may be used to connect one ormore treatment devices, such as a magnet, electrical stimulator,monitor, or ice pack, with a patient.

Having described the invention, the following is claimed:
 1. A method oftreatment of a patient, said method comprising the steps of providing astrap having a base end portion, a second end portion and a main portionwhich is disposed between the base and second end portions of the strap,the base end portion of the strap has first and second sides withsurfaces which face in opposite directions and are formed of foam, themain portion of the strap has a first side with a surface which isformed of foam and faces in the same direction as the surface on thefirst side of the base end portion, the main portion of the strap has asecond side with a surface which is formed of fabric and faces in thesame direction as the surface on the second side of the base endportion, and wrapping the strap around a portion of a body of thepatient, said step of wrapping the strap around a portion of the body ofthe patient includes positioning the surface formed of foam on the firstside of the base end portion of the strap in engagement with skin on thebody of the patient, positioning a portion of the surface formed of foamon the first side of the main portion of the strap in engagement withskin on the body of the patient, positioning a portion of the surfaceformed of foam on the first side of the main portion of the strap inengagement with the surface formed of foam on the second side of thebase end portion of the strap, positioning a portion of the surfaceformed of foam on the first side of the main portion of the strap inengagement with the surface formed of fabric on the second side of themain portion of the strap, tensioning the main portion of the strap, andsecuring the second end portion of the strap against movement relativeto the main portion of the strap.
 2. A method as set forth in claim 1further including the step of moving body tissue disposed beneath theskin of the patient under the influence of tension forces transmittedfrom the surface formed of foam on the first side of the main portion ofthe strap to the skin of the patient, said step of moving body tissuebeneath the skin of the patient includes gripping the skin of thepatient with the surface formed of foam on the first side of the mainportion of the strap and pulling the skin of the patient in thedirection of force applied to the main portion of the strap duringtensioning of the main portion of the strap.
 3. A method as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said step of securing the second end portion of thestrap includes fastening the second end portion of the strap to thesurface formed of fabric on the second side of the main portion of thestrap.
 4. A method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said step ofpositioning the surface formed of foam on the first side of the base endportion of the strap in engagement with skin on the body of the patientincludes positioning the surface formed of foam on the first side of thebase end portion of the strap in engagement with skin on a back of ahand of the patient, said step of wrapping the strap around a portion ofthe body of the patient includes engaging skin on a palm of the hand ofthe patient with a portion of the surface formed of foam on the firstside of the main portion of the strap, said step of positioning aportion of the surface formed of foam on the first side of the mainportion of the strap in engagement with the surface formed of foam onthe second side of the base end portion of the strap includes pressingthe surface formed of foam on the first side of the base end portion ofthe strap against the skin on the back of the hand of the patient underthe influence of force transmitted from the main portion of the strap tothe base end portion of the strap.
 5. A method as set forth in claim 1wherein said step of positioning the surface formed of foam on the firstside of the base end portion of the strap in engagement with skin on thebody of the patient includes positioning the surface formed of foam onthe first side of the base end portion of the strap in engagement withskin in a region of the body of the patient where a hand and wrist ofthe patient are disposed, said step of wrapping the strap around aportion of the body of the patient includes engaging skin on a finger ofthe hand of the patient with a portion of the surface formed of foam onthe first side of the main portion of the strap, said step ofpositioning a portion of the surface formed of foam on the first side ofthe main portion of the strap in engagement with the surface formed offoam on the second side of the base end portion of the strap includespressing the surface formed of foam on the first side of the base endportion of the strap against the skin on the region of the body of thepatient where the hand and wrist of the patient are disposed under theinfluence of force transmitted from the main portion of the strap to thebase end portion of the strap.
 6. A method as set forth in claim 1wherein said step of positioning the surface formed of foam on the firstside of the base end portion of the strap in engagement with skin on thebody of the patient includes positioning the surface formed of foam onthe first side of the base end portion of the strap in engagement withskin on a leg of the patient in a region of the body of the patientwhere a knee of the patient is disposed, said step of wrapping the straparound a portion of the body of the patient includes engaging skin onthe leg of the patient with a portion of the surface formed of foam onthe first side of the main portion of the strap, said step ofpositioning a portion of the surface formed of foam on the first side ofthe main portion of the strap in engagement with the surface formed offoam on the second side of the base end portion of the strap includespressing the surface formed of foam on the first side of the base endportion of the strap against the skin on the leg of the patient in theregion of the body of the patient where the knee of the patient isdisposed.
 7. A strap for use in treating a patient, said strapcomprising a base end portion, a second end portion, and a main portionwhich extends between said base and second end portions, said base endportion having first and second sides with surfaces which are formed offoam and face in opposite directions, said surface formed of foam onsaid first side of said base end portion of said strap being engagablewith skin on a body of the patient, said main portion of said straphaving a first side with a surface which is formed of foam and faces inthe same direction as the surface formed of foam on the first side ofsaid base end portion, said surface formed of foam on said first side ofsaid main portion of said strap being engagable with skin on the body ofthe patient, said main portion of said strap having a second side with asurface which is formed of fabric and faces in the same direction as thesurface formed of foam on the second side of said base end portion, saidsurface formed of foam on said first side of said main portion of saidstrap being engagable with said surface formed of foam on said secondside of said base end portion of said strap to hold said base endportion of said strap against movement relative to skin on the body ofthe patient engaged by said surface formed of foam on said first side ofsaid base end portion of said strap, said surface formed of foam on saidfirst side of said main portion of said strap being engagable with saidsurface formed of fabric on said second side of said main portion ofsaid strap, and a retainer connected with said second end portion ofsaid strap, said retainer being engagable with said surface formed offabric on said second side of said main portion of said strap to retainsaid second end portion of said strap against movement relative to saidmain portion of said strap.
 8. A strap as set forth in claim 7 whereinsaid surface formed of foam on said second side of said base end portionis formed as a continuation of said surface formed of foam on said firstside of said base end portion and is connected with said surface formedof foam on said first side of said base end portion by a bend surfacewhich is formed of foam and extends between the first and second sidesof said base end portion of said strap.
 9. A strap as set forth in claim7 wherein said base end portion of said strap includes inner and outersections which are disposed in abutting engagement with each other, saidinner section of said base end portion includes a layer of foam and alayer of fabric which are interconnected, said outer section of saidbase end portion includes a layer of foam and a layer of fabric whichare interconnected, said layer of fabric of said inner section of saidbase end portion being disposed in abutting engagement with said layerof fabric of said outer section of said base end portion, said surfaceformed of foam on said first side of said base end portion of said strapbeing disposed on said layer of foam of said inner section of said baseend portion, said surface formed of foam on said second side of saidbase end portion of said strap being disposed on said layer of foam ofsaid outer section of said base end portion.
 10. A strap as set forth inclaim 9 wherein said main portion of said strap includes a layer of foamand a layer of fabric which are interconnected, said surface formed offoam on said first side of said main portion of said strap beingdisposed on said layer of foam of said main portion of said strap, saidsurface formed of fabric on said second side of said main portion ofsaid strap being disposed on said layer of fabric of said main portionof said strap, said layer of foam of said main portion of said strapbeing integrally formed as one piece with said layer of foam of saidinner section of said base end portion of said strap and beingintegrally formed as one piece with said layer of foam of said outersection of said base end portion of said strap, said layer of fabric ofsaid main portion of said strap being integrally formed as one piecewith said layer of fabric of said inner section of said base end portionof said strap and being integrally formed as one piece with said layerof fabric of said outer section of said base end portion of said strap.11. A strap as set forth in claim 10 wherein said second end portion ofsaid strap includes a layer of foam and a layer of fabric which areinterconnected, said layer of foam of said second end portion of saidstrap being integrally formed as one piece with said layer of foam ofsaid main portion of said strap, said layer of fabric of said second endportion of said strap being integrally formed as one piece with saidlayer of fabric of said main portion of said strap.
 12. A strap as setforth in claim 11 wherein said retainer includes a layer of hooks of ahook and loop type fastener, said layer of hooks being mounted on saidlayer of foam of said second end portion of said strap and beingengagable with said layer of fabric of said main portion of said strap.13. A method of treatment of a patient, said method comprising the stepsof providing a strap, positioning a layer formed of foam and disposed ona first side of the strap in engagement with skin on a body of thepatient, retaining a first end portion of the strap against movementrelative to the body of the patient by wrapping the strap around aportion of the body of the patient and positioning a portion of thelayer formed of foam and disposed on the first side of the strap inengagement with foam disposed on a second side of the strap, andconnecting a second end portion of the strap to the second side of thestrap at a location between the first and second end portions of thestrap.
 14. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said step ofconnecting the second end portion of the strap to the second side of thestrap includes connecting the second end portion of the strap to a layerof fabric which extends along the second side of the strap from the foamdisposed on the second side of the strap to the second end portion ofthe strap.
 15. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said step ofwrapping the strap around the portion of the body of the patientincludes winding the strap about an axis which extends through theportion of the body of the patient and applying force having a componentwhich extends along the axis to myofascial tissue in the body of thepatient.
 16. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said step ofwrapping the strap around a portion of the body and positioning aportion of the layer formed of foam disposed on the first side of thestrap in engagement with foam disposed on a second side of the strapincludes forming a first loop which extends around the portion of thepatient's body, tensioning the strap to apply force to the first loop,pulling fascia in the patient's body away from one location towardanother location under the influence of tension in the strap, andforming a second loop which extends around the portion of the patient'sbody.
 17. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said step ofwrapping the strap around a portion of the body and positioning aportion of the layer formed of foam disposed on the first side of thestrap in engagement with foam disposed on a second side of the strapincludes forming a first loop which extends around a leg of the patientat a location adjacent to a knee of the patient and is at leastpartially offset in a first direction from a center of the knee of thepatient, tensioning the strap to apply force to the first loop, forminga second loop which extends around the patient's leg at a locationadjacent to the knee of the patient and is at least partially offset ina second direction from the center of the knee of the patient, andmoving a bone in the knee of the patient under the influence of forcetransmitted to the bone from at least one of the first and second loops.18. A method as set forth in claim 17 wherein said step of forming asecond loop which extends around the patient's leg includes intersectingthe first loop with the second loop, said step of moving a bone in theknee of the patient under the influence of force transmitted to the bonefrom at least one of the first and second loops includes transmittingforce from an intersection between the first and second loops to thebone.
 19. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said step ofwrapping the strap around a portion of the body and positioning aportion of the layer formed of foam disposed on the first side of thestrap in engagement with foam disposed on a second side of the strapincludes forming a first loop which extends around a hand of thepatient, tensioning the strap to apply force to the first loop, forminga second loop at a region of the patient's body where the hand and awrist are interconnected, and transmitting force between the first andsecond loops through the strap.
 20. A method as set forth in claim 13wherein said step of positioning the layer formed of foam disposed onthe first side of the strap in engagement with skin on the body of thepatient includes engaging skin on the body of the patient with the layerof foam in the region where a first arm of the patient is joined with atrunk of the body of the patient, said step of wrapping the strap arounda portion of the body of the patient includes wrapping the strap aroundthe trunk of the patient and engaging skin on the body of the patientwith the layer of foam in a region where a second arm of the patient isjoined with the trunk of the patient.
 21. A method of treatment of apatient, said method comprising the steps of providing a strap having abase end portion, a second end portion and a main portion which isdisposed between the base and second end portions of the strap, the baseend portion of the strap has first and second sides with surfaces whichface in opposite directions, the main portion of the strap has a firstside with a surface which faces in the same direction as the surface onthe first side of the base end portion, the main portion of the straphas a second side with a surface which faces in the same direction asthe surface on the second side of the base end portion and is formed offabric, and wrapping the strap around a portion of a body of thepatient, said step of wrapping the strap around a portion of the body ofthe patient includes positioning the surface on the first side of thebase end portion of the strap in engagement with skin on the body of thepatient, positioning a portion of the surface on the first side of themain portion of the strap in engagement with skin on the body of thepatient, positioning a portion of the surface on the first side of themain portion of the strap in engagement with the surface on the secondside of the base end portion of the strap, positioning a portion of thesurface on the first side of the main portion of the strap in engagementwith the surface formed of fabric on the second side of the main portionof the strap, the surface on the first side of the main portion of thestrap and the surface on the second side of the base end portion of thestrap have a greater coefficient of static friction than the surface onthe first side of the main portion of the strap and the surface formedof fabric on the second side of the main portion of the strap,tensioning the main portion of the strap, retaining the base end portionof the strap against movement relative to the main portion of the strapunder the influence of static friction force between the surface on thefirst side of the main portion of the strap and the surface on thesecond side of the base end portion of the strap while tensioning themain portion of the strap, and securing the second end portion of thestrap against movement relative to the main portion of the strap.
 22. Amethod as set forth in claim 21 further including the step of movingbody tissue disposed beneath the skin of the patient under the influenceof tension forces transmitted from the surface on the first side of themain portion of the strap to the skin of the patient, said step ofmoving body tissue beneath the skin of the patient includes gripping theskin of the patient with the surface on the first side of the mainportion of the strap and pulling the skin of the patient in thedirection of forces applied to the main portion of the strap duringtensioning of the main portion of the strap.
 23. A method as set forthin claim 21 wherein said step of securing the second end portion of thestrap includes fastening the second end portion of the strap to thesurface formed of fabric on the second side of the main portion of thestrap.
 24. A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step ofpositioning the surface on the first side of the base end portion of thestrap in engagement with skin on the body of the patient includespositioning the surface on the first side of the base end portion of thestrap in engagement with skin on a back of a hand of the patient, saidstep of wrapping the strap around a portion of the body of the patientincludes engaging skin on a palm of the hand of the patient with aportion of the surface on the first side of the main portion of thestrap, said step of positioning a portion of the surface on the firstside of the main portion of the strap in engagement with the surface onthe second side of the base end portion of the strap includes pressingthe surface on the first side of the base end portion of the strapagainst the skin on the back of the hand of the patient under theinfluence of force transmitted from the main portion of the strap to thebase end portion of the strap.
 25. A method as set forth in claim 21wherein said step of positioning the surface on the first side of thebase end portion of the strap in engagement with skin on the body of thepatient includes positioning the surface on the first side of the baseend portion of the strap in engagement with skin in a region of the bodyof the patient where a hand and wrist of the patient are disposed, saidstep of wrapping the strap around a portion of the body of the patientincludes engaging skin on a finger of the hand of the patient with aportion of the surface on the first side of the main portion of thestrap, said step of positioning a portion of the surface on the firstside of the main portion of the strap in engagement with the surface onthe second side of the base end portion of the strap includes pressingthe surface on the first side of the base end portion of the strapagainst the skin on the region of the body of the patient where the handand wrist of the patient are disposed under the influence of forcetransmitted from the main portion of the strap to the base end portionof the strap.
 26. A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein said step ofpositioning the surface on the first side of the base end portion of thestrap in engagement with skin on the body of the patient includespositioning the surface on the first side of the base end portion of thestrap in engagement with skin on a leg of the patient in the region ofthe body of the patient where a knee of the patient is disposed, saidstep of wrapping the strap around a portion of the body of the patientincludes engaging skin on the leg of the patient with a portion of thesurface on the first side of the main portion of the strap, said step ofpositioning a portion of the surface on the first side of the mainportion of the strap in engagement with the surface on the second sideof the base end portion of the strap includes pressing the surface onthe first side of the base end portion of the strap against the skin onthe leg of the patient in the region of the body of the patient wherethe knee of the patient is disposed.
 27. A method as set forth in claim21 wherein the surfaces on the first and second sides of the base endportion of the strap and the surface on the first side of the mainportion of the strap are formed of foam.
 28. A method of treatment of apatient, said method including the steps of providing a strap having afirst side which is at least partially formed of a first material and asecond side which is at least partially formed of a second material,positioning the first material on the first side of the strap inengagement with skin on a body of the patient, retaining a first end ofthe strap against movement relative to the body of the patient bywrapping the strap around a portion of the patient to form a first loopand positioning a portion of the first material disposed on the firstside of the strap in engagement with a section of the first materialdisposed on the second side of the strap, tensioning the strap to applyto the first loop a force having a component which extends along acentral axis of the first loop, pulling deep fascia in the patient'sbody away from one location toward another location under the influenceof the component of the first force which extends along the central axisof the first loop, forming a second loop which extends around theportion of the patient's body, said step of forming a second loop whichextends around a portion of the patient's body includes positioning aportion of the first material on the first side of the strap inengagement with the skin of the patient and with the second material onthe second side of the strap, and securing a second end of the strap tothe second material on the second side of the strap.
 29. A method oftreatment of a patient, said method comprising the steps of positioninga loop in a strap having a layer formed of foam on a first side of thestrap and a layer formed of fabric on a second side of the strap arounda finger on a hand of a patient, said step of positioning a loop in astrap around a finger on a hand of a patient includes positioning thelayer of foam on the strap in engagement with skin on the finger of thepatient throughout the extent of the loop, tensioning the strap,wrapping the strap around a region of a body of the patient where thehand and wrist of the patient are disposed, and connecting an end of thestrap to the second side of the strap to maintain tension in the strap.30. A method as set forth in claim 29 wherein said step of wrapping thestrap around a region of the body of the patient where the hand andwrist of the patient are disposed includes wrapping the strap at leastpart way around the finger of the patient and around a region where thehand and wrist of the patient are interconnected.
 31. A method as setforth in claim 30 wherein said step of wrapping the strap at least partway around the finger of the patient includes engaging skin on thefinger of the patient with the layer of foam, said step of wrapping thestrap around a region where the hand and wrist of the patient areinterconnected includes engaging skin on the region where the hand andwrist of the patient are interconnected with the layer of foam.
 32. Amethod of treatment of a patient, said method comprising the steps ofproviding a plurality of straps, positioning layers formed of foam anddisposed on first sides of the straps of the plurality of straps inengagement with skin on a body of the patient, retaining first endportions of the straps of the plurality of straps against movementrelative to the body of the patient by wrapping at least one of thestraps of the plurality of straps around a portion of the body of thepatient and positioning portions of the layer formed of foam disposed onthe first side of the one strap of the plurality of straps in engagementwith foam disposed on second sides of each of the straps of theplurality of straps adjacent to the first end portions of the straps,and connecting a second end portion of the one strap of the plurality ofstraps to the second side of the one strap.
 33. A method as set forth inclaim 32 wherein said step of connecting the second end portion of theone strap to the second side of the one strap includes connecting thesecond end portion of the one strap to a layer of fabric which extendsalong the second side of the one strap.
 34. A method as set forth inclaim 32 further including the step of retaining a second end portion ofat least a second strap of the plurality of straps against movementrelative to the body of the patient by positioning a portion of thelayer of foam disposed on the first side of the one strap of theplurality of straps in engagement with foam disposed on the second sideof the second strap of the plurality of straps adjacent to the secondend portion of the second strap.
 35. A method as set forth in claim 32wherein said step of wrapping the one strap of the plurality of strapsaround a portion of the body of the patient and positioning portions ofthe layer of foam disposed on the one strap of the plurality of strapsin engagement with foam disposed on second sides of each of the strapsof the plurality of straps includes forming a loop which extends arounda portion of the patient's body and around the first end portions ofeach of the straps of the plurality of straps, and transmitting forcefrom a second strap of the plurality of straps to body tissue disposedbeneath a portion of the skin of the patient which is spaced from aportion of the skin of the patient engaged by the layer formed of foamdisposed on the first side of the one strap of the plurality of straps.36. A method as set forth in claim 32 wherein said step of positioninglayers formed of foam and disposed on first sides of the straps of theplurality of straps in engagement with skin on the body of the patientincludes engaging skin on a shoulder of the body of the patient with asecond strap of the plurality of straps and tensioning the second strapto apply force to the shoulder of the body of the patient.
 37. A methodas set forth in claim 36 further including the step of further includingthe step of engaging foam disposed on the second side of the secondstrap adjacent to a second end portion of the second strap with thelayer of foam disposed on the first side of the one strap.
 38. A methodas set forth in claim 32 wherein the step of positioning layers formedof foam and disposed on first sides of the straps of the plurality ofstraps in engagement with skin on the body of the patient includesengaging skin on a first shoulder of the body of the patient with asecond strap of the plurality of straps, engaging skin on a secondshoulder of the body of the patient with a third strap of the pluralityof straps, and tensioning the second and third straps to apply force tothe first and second shoulders of the body of the patient.
 39. A methodas set forth in claim 38 further including the steps of engaging foamdisposed on the second side of the second strap adjacent to a second endportion of the second strap with the layer of foam disposed on the firstside of the one strap and engaging foam disposed on the second side ofthe third strap adjacent to a second end portion of the third strap withthe layer of foam disposed on the first side of the one strap.
 40. Amethod of treatment of a patient, said method comprising the steps ofproviding a plurality of straps each of which has a layer formed of foamdisposed on a first side of the strap and a layer formed of fabricdisposed on a second side of the strap, urging body tissue on a firstside of an opening in skin on a body of the patient toward body tissueon a second side of the opening in the skin on the body of the patient,said step of urging body tissue on a first side of the opening in theskin toward body tissue on a second side of the opening in the skinincludes positioning the layer formed of foam disposed on the first sideof a first strap of the plurality of straps in engagement with the skinon the body of the patient adjacent to the first side of the opening inthe skin, retaining a first end portion of the first strap againstmovement relative to the body of the patient by wrapping the first straparound a portion of the body of the patient disposed adjacent to thefirst side of the opening in the skin and positioning a portion of thelayer formed of foam and disposed on the first side of the first strapin engagement with foam on a second side of the first strap, andconnecting a second end portion of the first strap to the second side ofthe first strap at a location between the first and second end portionsof the first strap, and urging body tissue on the second side of theopening in skin on the body of the patient toward body tissue on thefirst side of the opening in the skin on the body of the patient, saidstep of urging body tissue on the second side of the opening in the skinon the body of the patient toward body tissue on the first side of theopening in the skin includes positioning the layer formed of foamdisposed on the first side of a second strap of the plurality of strapsin engagement with the skin on the body of the patient adjacent to thesecond side of the opening in the skin, retaining a first end portion ofthe second strap against movement relative to a body of the patient bywrapping the second strap around a portion of the body of the patientdisposed adjacent to the second side of the opening in the skin andpositioning a portion of the layer formed of foam and disposed on thefirst side of the second strap in engagement with foam on a second sideof the second strap, and connecting a second end portion of the secondstrap to the second side of the second strap at a location between thefirst and second end portions of the second strap.
 41. A method as setforth in claim 40 further including the step of interconnecting thefirst and second straps with a connector which extends across theopening in the skin of the patient and has a first end portion connectedwith the first strap and a second end portion connected with the secondstrap.
 42. A method as set forth in claim 40 further including the stepsof connecting a first end portion of a connector member with the secondside of the first strap, connecting a second end portion of theconnector member with the second side of the second strap, andtransmitting force between the first and second straps through theconnector member to urge the first strap toward the second strap and tourge the second strap toward the first strap.
 43. A method as set forthin claim 40 wherein said step of urging body tissue on the first side ofthe opening toward body tissue on the second side of the openingincludes transmitting force from the layer formed of foam on the firstside of the first strap to the skin of the patient adjacent to the firstside of the opening in the skin to tension skin adjacent the first sideof the opening, said step of urging body tissue on the second side ofthe opening toward body tissue on the first side of the opening includestransmitting force from the layer formed of foam on the first side ofthe second strap to the skin adjacent to the second side of the openingin the skin to tension skin adjacent the second side of the opening. 44.A method of treatment of a patient, said method comprising the steps ofproviding a strap having a layer of foam on a first side of the strapand a layer of fabric on a second side of the strap, positioning thelayer of foam on the first side of the strap in engagement with skin onan upper portion of a first arm of the patient adjacent to an axilla ofa body of the patient, retaining a first end portion of the strapagainst movement relative to the upper portion of the first arm of thepatient by wrapping the strap around the upper portion of the first armof the patient and positioning a portion of the layer formed of foam anddisposed on the first side of the strap in engagement with foam disposedon the second side of the strap on a first end portion of the strap,positioning the strap across a trunk of the patient and across ashoulder of the patient adjacent to a second arm of the patient, andconnecting a second end portion of the strap with a portion of the strapwhich extends across the trunk of the patient.
 45. A method as set forthin claim 44 wherein said step of connecting the second end portion ofthe strap with the portion of the strap which extends across the trunkof the patient includes connecting the second end portion of the strapwith the fabric on the second side of the strap.
 46. A method as setforth in claim 44 wherein said step of wrapping the strap around theupper portion of the first arm of the patient includes wrapping thestrap for a plurality of turns around the upper portion of the first armof the patient.
 47. A method as set forth in claim 46 further includingthe step of tensioning the portion of the strap which extends across thetrunk of the patient prior to connecting the second end portion of thestrap with the portion of the strap which extends across the trunk ofthe patient.
 48. A method as set forth in claim 44 further including thestep of engaging skin on the back of the patient and shoulder of thepatient adjacent to the second arm of the patient with the layer of foamon the second side of the strap.
 49. A method of treatment of a patient,said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of straps eachof which has a layer formed of foam disposed on a first side of thestrap and a layer of fabric disposed on a second side of the strap, saidstep of providing a plurality of straps includes providing at least onestrap which has an end portion with a layer of foam on the second sideof the strap, positioning the end portion of the one strap with thelayer of foam on the first side of the end portion of the one strap inengagement with skin of the patient, positioning the layer of foam onthe first side of a second strap of the plurality of straps inengagement with the skin of the patient and with the layer of foam onthe second side of the end portion of the one strap, and tensioning thesecond strap to press the end portion of the one strap against the skinof the patient under the influence of force transmitted from the secondstrap to the end portion of the one strap.
 50. A method as set forth inclaim 49 further including the step of connecting an end portion of thesecond strap to the layer of fabric on the second side of the secondstrap.
 51. A method of treatment of a patient, said method comprisingthe steps of providing a plurality of straps each of which has a layerformed of foam disposed on a first side of the strap and a layer offabric disposed on a second side of the strap, a first strap of saidplurality of straps having a section of foam disposed on the second sideof said first strap, positioning the first strap with the layer of foamon the first side of the first strap engaging skin on a body of thepatient, and positioning the second strap with the layer of foam on thefirst side of the second strap engaging the section of foam on thesecond side of the first strap and engaging the skin of the patient. 52.A method as set forth in claim 51 further including the step ofconnecting an end portion of one of the first and second straps to thelayer of fabric on the second side of the first strap.
 53. A method asset forth in claim 51 further including the steps of connecting an endportion of the first strap to the layer of fabric on the second side ofthe first strap and connecting an end portion of the second strap to thelayer of fabric on the second side of one of said first and secondstraps.
 54. A method as set forth in claim 51 further including thesteps of wrapping the first strap around a portion of the patient's bodyand connecting an end portion of the first strap with the layer offabric on the second side of the first strap.
 55. A method as set forthin claim 51 further including the steps of wrapping the second straparound a portion of the patient's body and connecting an end portion ofthe second strap with the layer of fabric on the second side of thesecond strap.